Independent living care can be provided to seniors through several methods — at home, Independent Living Communities/Retirement Communities, Assisted Living Facilities, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The goal is to assist adults who are able to take care of themselves and want to live independently. They require assistance in some aspects of daily living. They do not require constant care and assistance varies with each individual.
Dependent on the individual’s health and choice of living arrangements, a senior may wish to stay in their home. Personal assistants can provide help anywhere from short visits up to and including 24×7 care. The disadvantage to being at home and only scheduling visits is that should a medical emergency arise where you cannot get to a telephone, the response time for assistance will be delayed significantly.
The option of assisted living facilities/centers is becoming increasingly more common to seniors as they age. The decision is not easy as ‘assisted living’ does not have a uniform definition of services. Assisted living facilities are not fully regulated. Each state develops their own licensing requirements, regulations and inspection procedures.
You must carefully consider the types of services you require and how much. Do you have minor health needs? Do you want access to an onsite medical facility? Do you require regular monitoring of chronic medical concerns? Do you need assistance with medication management? Are you mobile or do you need assistance? Do you need your meals prepared and served? Do you need meal reminders? Do you need assistance with housekeeping, laundry, and transportation? Do you enjoy planned social and recreational activities?
By answering these questions on independent living care will be a first step in helping you decide whether to select an independent retirement community, an assisted living facility or a continuing care retirement community.