Independent living and assisted-living communities
Usually apartment or condominium complexes, independent living communities generally offer on-site amenities such as beauty salons, banks, fitness programs, and communal meals. They may even have a doctor who makes regular rounds.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she values her independence and isn't in need of daily care -- but perhaps is ready to stop driving, is starting to worry about her safety, or just wants more support and companionship -- an independent living community can be a great choice.
Assisted-living facilities cover the middle ground: They serve elders who need more support than they can get living independently but who don't need complex medical care on a daily basis. Most offer meals, housekeeping, and planned activities. Many will remind your family member to take medications but won't do things like give injections.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she is finding daily life increasingly challenging but doesn't have a serious medical condition that requires round-the-clock monitoring, assisted living may be the right choice. As with all eldercare housing communities, assisted-living facilities vary greatly, so make sure you know exactly what a particular location does and doesn't offer before making a commitment.
Continuing-care communities and family homes
There's a wide variation in what continuing-care communities provide, but most offer a range of eldercare options as someone ages, from independent living units to assisted living to skilled nursing, all in one place. These facilities can be costly to start -- most charge an entrance fee and may require your family member to purchase her apartment or condominium -- but because many promise to care for residents for the rest of their life, even if their needs change, they also offer security.
- Is this the right option for my family member? A continuing-care community is a good choice for an older adult who wants assistance making some healthcare decisions, says O'Dea-Evans. It's also a good choice if you don't feel able to manage her care on a daily basis -- perhaps because you live far away -- as everything she'll require as she ages is generally on-site, and trained staff will help her move from one phase to another as the need arises.
Family homes are usually private homes that have been converted to provide eldercare for a small number of older adults. An alternative to a skilled nursing facility, they generally offer all meals and round-the-clock staffing, sometimes at a lower cost.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she lives in a small town or rural area without a skilled nursing facility and wants to stay in the area, this may be the best option. Family care homes are also a good choice for people who need lots of personal attention from caregivers who know them well, says O'Dea-Evans. Such people might not thrive in a larger facility with different staff members coming in and out.
