Getting to Know Senior Living and What Your Options Are
What is senior living?
Senior living refers to a facility, community, or complex that caters to those who are in an older age demographic (around 55 years of age or older). You do not necessarily need to be retired, although many who live in senior living communities are. Senior living almost always offers the following three things:
- Living space: This could be something as small as a single room or as large as a full-sized apartment, condo, or cottage.
- Healthcare options: Senior living communities typically have on-site medical professionals who cater to the specific healthcare needs of residents. The healthcare options are often broken down into tiers, which allows residents to choose the level of healthcare service that best suits their situation.
- Community features and amenities: Senior living communities provide their residents a wide variety of activities to do and on-site community amenities to enjoy.
What is independent living?
Independent living is a housing arrangement designed for those who are 55 years of age or older. As the name implies, it’s designed for those who wish to live as independently as possible. However, independent living communities will have on-site staff that takes care of things like maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, landscaping, etc.
What is assisted living?
With assisted living, residents get all the same on-site staff perks as described with independent living. Additionally, they will also have a team of professional nurses and certified care staff that will deliver healthcare services and assist them with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, managing medications, etc. Occasionally, you’ll hear the term “luxury assisted living.” That typically means assisted living based in extravagant surroundings.
What is a luxury retirement community?
Luxury senior living communities go by many different names. If you hear the term high-end retirement community or upscale retirement community, these two things are usually one in the same. What luxury senior living boils down to is how extravagant the living spaces are and the number of services and amenities that are offered on-site. A high-end retirement community will oftentimes have a list of amenities so long and varied that the community almost feels like a country club or resort. Look for things like world-class cuisine, activities such as golf or tennis, and a community event calendar that’s packed with fun things to do. Additionally, you should expect a comprehensive offering of healthcare options.
What is a continuing care retirement community?
The big benefit of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the several levels of healthcare that are available to residents. Whereas assisted living can provide a moderate level of healthcare services, a CCRC’s offerings are more comprehensive. Their most common offerings include
- At-home healthcare: This variety of healthcare provides medical services right in the comfort of the home.
- Memory care: These facilities provide a safe and structured environment that caters to residents who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Short-term and sub-acute rehabilitation: This form of rehabilitation is intended for those that are being discharged from the hospital (following an illness, operation, or injury) but require a little extra recovery time under the care of a medical professional before transitioning back to their homes.
- Long-term skilled nursing care: This type of care is for residents who are facing healthcare challenges due to advanced age, a prolonged illness, or a chronic condition.
When is the right time to move to a retirement community?
Many people decide to transition to a retirement community either because the responsibility of home ownership is too much of a burden and/or they want the assurance of knowing that they have medical care professionals on-hand to assist them with daily activities or other healthcare needs. Or perhaps you are simply wanting to be a part of a larger community with more opportunities to socialize and activities to engage in.
How do we decide which living situation is best?
This is perhaps one of the toughest questions to answer because everyone’s situation is completely unique. Ultimately, it boils down to which aspects of senior living rank highest in importance to you. For some, it’s making sure they have the very best healthcare service options available. For others, features, amenities, and activities will drive their decision. And, of course, price is always going to play a factor.
What usually helps potential residents is to make a list of needs, a list of wants, and then a monthly or annual budget that they want to stay within. Having these three things clearly in mind helps narrow things down.
What if my healthcare needs change?
This is a very common question. Many retirees start out with independent living knowing that one day their healthcare needs may change. If you go with a retirement community that offers a full continuum of care, you can rest easy knowing that should your healthcare needs change you won’t need to move from the community. CCRCs are designed so that you can live in place, regardless of what stage you’re at on your healthcare journey.
How do I see a retirement community for myself before committing to it?
The best way to see a retirement community is to set up a tour. Think of it as a way to try before you buy. A member of the staff will show you around the grounds, give you a tour of the living spaces, and give you a full run-down of the medical services and amenities that are offered. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Book a Tour Today at McCrite Plaza!
Not only does McCrite Plaza provide a full continuum of care for our residents, we also have some of the most beautiful grounds and living spaces of any retirement community in the area. And, of course, no retirement community would be complete without a long list of activities and amenities for residents to engage in. McCrite provides a one-of-a-kind experience that allows residents to fully enjoy life.
The best way to see McCrite is by taking a personal guided tour. You can contact McCrite Plaza Topeka or McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff using the contact form. Feel free to schedule a tour at either location so we can show you how great your life at McCrite can be!