As you age, you may realize that living in your own house or apartment has become increasingly challenging. While it may be hard to leave your longtime home, if your physical, emotional, and social well-being are suffering, it may be time to explore options for senior living.
Signs of loneliness, isolation, or depression include the following:
- It has become increasingly difficult to prepare meals and clean and maintain your home without assistance.
- Bathing and dressing pose greater challenges.
- You are forgetting to take your medications or struggling to keep them organized.
- You have fallen more than once and/or are facing mobility issues.
Older adults often start by looking at senior communities, which are set up to respect an older adult’s desire for autonomy even as they provide social and emotional opportunities for engagement and activity. But as your needs increase, you may find it necessary to move between different types of living arrangements — such as assisted living, memory care, a nursing home, or in-home care. If you prefer to remain in your own home, various options support independence while providing necessary assistance.
However, even if you think you know what you’d like to do, it is a good idea to explore the programs, services, and housing options for which you might qualify (including options for low-income older adults). It is also wise to consult a financial professional who specializes in elder care, who can help you anticipate the day in which you might need more help, as many communities have long waitlists.
Reviewing the options
Aging in place describes a situation in which you remain in your own home or apartment as you age, rather than relocating to a senior living facility. You may maintain independence and familiarity, but may need to find additional support to address evolving needs. Community programs can offer peer support, meal delivery, opportunities for hobbies, and ways to stay socially engaged. If your need for assistance increases, you may arrange in-home care from companionship to skilled nursing. However, coordination of support — typically involving multiple agencies, nonprofits, or private providers — is often left to you or your family or, in some communities, to organizations called “villages.” (Click here to download our free report, Aging In Place With Confidence)
Another option is a residential senior living community. These communities offer a range of services and amenities, depending on which kind of community you choose. Among the options:
- Independent living, retirement communities, or age-restricted housing communities comprise single-family units, condominiums, and apartment buildings centered on a communal gathering space, such as a clubhouse. They cater to older adults in good health who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle. A homeowners association or management company may oversee social activities and coordinate lawn care and building maintenance. These communities sometimes offer on-site amenities such as fitness centers and movie theaters; they may offer meal plans and light housekeeping services for an additional fee.
- Assisted living facilities provide medication management and assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Meals, snacks, housekeeping, and laundry services are also available. Many facilities offer structured social activities, wellness programs, and transportation for appointments or errands. While not focused on intensive medical care, assisted living fosters a balance between independence and support to provide a safe and engaging environment.
- Continuing care retirement and life care communities offer many of the same services as assisted living facilities, but additionally offer separate floors or buildings with skilled nursing and/or memory care. As a resident, you can transition from one level of care to another as your needs evolve.
- Skilled nursing facilities offer nursing care or rehabilitation services. They accommodate individuals who require 24/7 support.
- Memory care facilities focus on adults living with dementia, providing secure environments with monitored entries and exits.
Adult day services deliver social and some health services for adults requiring supervised care outside the home; they can also provide respite for caregivers who are providing care for you at home. These programs typically operate on weekdays, though some may offer support evenings and weekends.
Respite care provides a temporary living arrangement if your caregiver needs to travel or take a break from caregiving. Many assisted living facilities and nursing homes offer this service.
Medicare does not cover the cost of senior living, including independent or assisted living, memory care, or long-term custodial care. However, older adults who meet income and eligibility requirements may receive assistance through Medicaid or Medicaid waivers. Medicaid can cover services such as nursing home care, in-home care, and, in some states, assisted living or memory care. Coverage and eligibility vary by state, and waivers often exclude room and board costs.
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