If you’re getting older and thinking about senior living, you’ve probably heard all kinds of terms. You might have even felt overwhelmed by the idea of considering different types of communities for yourself or a loved one. Don’t worry! We’ve put together this quick list of standard terms in the senior living world so that you can better understand what you’re looking at and make more informed choices.
55+ Community
A 55+ community caters to adults who are at least 55 years old. These communities typically include various housing options, such as independent living and assisted living. They may also offer pools, fitness centers, movie theaters, and more. Some 55+ communities are age-specific, offering services and amenities specifically designed for family members in their golden years—for example, barbershops or salons where you can get your hair regularly styled by a professional stylist if your grooming skills aren’t up to snuff anymore.
Active Adult Community
Active adult communities are age-restricted communities for people 55 and older. They’re designed to be more active and social than traditional retirement communities. Active adult communities often have amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and golf courses.
If you’re considering moving into an active adult community, make sure it’s in a location that fits your lifestyle and interests. Look at the types of facilities offered at each Community before deciding on one—you may want to live somewhere with more outdoor activities or proximity to stores or restaurants.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a type of senior housing that offers personal care services and assistance with daily activities. It’s meant to allow seniors to stay in their homes, but it differs from independent living in that assisted living involves more hands-on care.
As opposed to a typical nursing home, assisted living facilities typically offer fewer medical services than full-service nursing homes do. Instead, they assist with everyday tasks like dressing, bathroom use, and preparing meals.
Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease that causes memory loss and other cognitive problems. It’s the most common type of dementia, affecting about 5.4 million Americans. Alzheimer’s can be treated with medication, but there is no cure for it, and it worsens over time.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are a type of senior living Community offering independent living, assisted living, and nursing care under one roof.
CCRCs are expensive—the average monthly cost for a private room in this type of facility is $4,500 to $5,500 per month—but if you choose to live there permanently, it can save you money over time because it eliminates the need for you to pay for additional housing once your needs change from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing care.
Dementia Care
Dementia is a mental deterioration that affects one’s ability to think and reason. It’s a progressive condition that worsens over time, but there are several stages of dementia that are different.
The first stage of the disease is mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI have difficulty with memory and thinking skills, but they can still do everyday tasks like shopping or cooking on their own.
The second stage of the disease is early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), when symptoms begin to show up more often in everyday life. At this point, people tend to forget things like important dates or appointments more often than before; they often feel confused about what day it is or where they are; and they may become unable to manage their finances properly because they can’t remember how much money came in last month or what bills need paying this week.
In the third stage—late-stage AD—people will experience severe symptoms: They might forget their loved ones, how old children were when born; where stores used to be located on Main Street 20 years ago; and more.
Independent Living
Independent living is a lifestyle choice that has several benefits. At one time, you may have lived in an independent living community. These communities are designed to meet the needs of family members in their golden years who want to live independently but also enjoy access to some services and amenities. In general, these communities will offer meals in the dining hall, laundry facilities, and transportation options.
Conclusion
Remember, you don’t have to know everything when it comes to the ins and outs of senior living. We must ensure our loved ones get the care they need, but that doesn’t mean we have to feel like we’re drowning in jargon. The key is to stay informed about your options and how best to navigate them—not only for yourself but also those around you who may be less familiar with these terms or what they mean.
