Retirement Guide: Housing Options for Seniors

Many retirement communities and senior living options are available compared to the choices a decade ago. With the increasing demand for comfortable and safe housing, many new facilities are coming up. Moreover, they are upgrading with the best amenities to provide their residents with a happy and healthy life and ensure they spend their retirement years as envisioned.

If you are looking for a retirement community where you can spend the golden years of your life, check out this complete guide. We have put together the essentials of senior living housing options and facilities to help you understand what they offer and make an informed decision.

7 Best Senior Living Options After Retirement

Retirement Communities

Although some facilities are designed for people requiring assistance, they are ideal for active and healthy seniors. You can live in a private space with other members having their homes within the community. Retirement communities are the best option if socialization is crucial for you. You will have the opportunity to interact with others and find like-minded individuals. These facilities also conduct regular social activities, such as arts, crafts, game nights, movie nights, and more, to keep you engaged.

If you want to move into a retirement community, here are some exceptions you need to consider:

Senior Apartments

They are the most popular type of senior living option. This type of arrangement offers many common benefits in the form of dining halls, transportation, and social calendars. Some facilities provide additional shared amenities such as optional housekeeping services, a gym, a saloon, and more. Pet policies may vary depending on the apartment structure and amenities available. If you want an independent life with occasional professional care, you can look for a senior apartment to make the most out of your life after retirement.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living facilities are generally ideal for seniors who do not require the assistance of skilled personnel but need help with daily personal tasks such as showering, grooming, and more. These communities have different population profiles. Some even offer memory and skilled medical care with supervision and high-end safety features.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living facilities typically offer some medical care for their residents while respecting their privacy and right to an independent life. The housing options vary across these communities and often provide shared facilities such as a meeting room, dining room, garden, and more. When living in an independent living community, you do not have to worry about basic tasks like housekeeping, laundry, lawn care, and more. In addition, you will have the benefit of added security and convenience. Depending on your health conditions and needs, you may consider moving to a nursing care facility or assisted living facility after living in an independent living home for a few years.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A CCRC combines several senior living and care options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services. It is the best transitional community where you will receive housing, depending on your current level of care. You can also live in these facilities with your spouse after retirement, even if you require different types of care.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Nursing homes help with medical recovery and chronic health conditions requiring daily medical attention. They offer various medical care such as blood pressure monitoring, wound dressing, medication management, and more. Living in a nursing home will give you access to the skills of more advanced practitioners such as occupational therapists and nutritionists.

In-Home Senior Care

Seniors often prefer this arrangement in their early years of retirement. However, this may become expensive as the level of care increases. In addition, overburdening the caregivers is a primary concern in this setup. This is why professionals recommend moving to a retirement community that meets your requirements.

Housing Facilities for Specialized Care

A senior living facility is an excellent choice if you need constant supervision, 24/7 medical attention, or specialized care for health conditions. These retirement communities offer various levels of specialized care, such as the following:

Respite Care

Respite care is a short-term option for seniors. It usually includes in-home care, adult day care, or senior care at a different location like a nursing home. This is not a full-time arrangement but a temporary arrangement.

Memory Care Facilities

A memory care facility is a good option for you if you have Alzheimer’s, dementia or any other cognitive condition that deals with degenerative brain loss resulting in memory loss. These specialized facilities provide the best care and services to help slow the progression of the disease. In addition, you will get help with basic tasks, such as managing your medications, cooking meals, and more.

Hospice Care

You can choose hospice care in a senior living facility, such as a nursing home. The goal of such facilities is to provide you with the support and dignity you deserve in your golden years. This includes physical, emotional, pain management, 24/7 supervision, and more. They have a professional team consisting of nurses, social physicians, and other health aides to ensure you have a caring environment.

Explore the Best Options for Senior Living in West Hartford

The Holiday Retirement community is the best choice if you are looking for a senior living option in West Hartford. We offer a cozy, home-like atmosphere with excellent amenities, including full laundry and housekeeping services, nutritious and delicious meals, and more. We have professional and friendly staff to cater to your needs and ensure you are comfortable, safe, and happy.

For more details about our retirement community, call us at 1-860-233-8202 or fill out our online form to schedule a facility tour. We will address your queries and concerns and help you choose a suitable senior living facility for your needs.