Senior community living may provide the comforts and amenities that make life more enjoyable and meaningful, whether searching for a new beginning or simply a change of scenery. Downsize your home and benefit from on-site amenities, social opportunities, and maintenance-free living. Independent living communities offer restaurant-style dining, housekeeping services, laundry facilities, and transportation to appointments and errands. Some also provide personal care and medical assistance.

Independent Living

Independent living allows seniors to trade the stresses of homeownership for a more active lifestyle. Residents enjoy freedom from home maintenance and grocery shopping but still receive amenities like meals, transportation services, fitness classes, and cultural outings. These communities are often age-restricted, but some have no restrictions and offer housing such as apartments, cottages, or condos to adults who need less than full assistance with daily tasks. Independent living is typically more affordable than owning a home and comes with the added benefits of social connection, recreation, and reduced risk of accidents or illness. Many of these communities are built on large campuses that include multiple buildings for housing, dining, and activities. These are usually called senior apartments, retirement homes, or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Those who move into a CCRC sell their existing home and pay a monthly fee that includes the cost of their housing, meals, and health care services up to the nursing level.

Assisted Living

Certified memory care apartments provide a secure and comfortable environment for seniors who require memory care, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, to lessen confusion and disorientation. These private residences, which vary in size from a few residents to more than 120, offer personal care services as needed and housing in apartments or rooms. Many offer a dining room where meals are shared, which can benefit social connection and proper nutrition. Before a senior enters an assisted living facility, a health evaluation is typically performed to ensure appropriate care. It includes medication reminders, assistance with bathing and dressing, and support with mobility and memory issues. Assisted living communities are sometimes part of larger campuses that offer independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing, called continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). These senior living communities MO enable seniors to go from one form of care to another, ensuring they always get the required attention.

Memory Care

Certified memory care apartments provide a secure and comfortable environment for seniors who require memory care, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, to lessen confusion and disorientation. They may be a particular area within an assisted living community or a separate facility. These communities are generally age-restricted and have a variety of amenities and social activities. Residents usually have their apartments with a kitchenette and private bathroom. There are also common areas and scheduled social events. Many of these senior living options are covered by Medicaid, but you’ll want to check with the individual community and find out if they have a waiver program for long-term care. Be sure to visit and spend time in any residence you are considering. You should also find out about staffing and certifications.

Luxury Senior Living

Luxury senior living offers upscale apartments, townhomes, or condominiums with the same amenities as a high-end resort. These communities typically offer various activities, from softball and polo fields to concierge valet parking and multiple dining options. Some are new entrants to the senior living scene built to appeal to wealthy baby boomers with upmarket tastes and cosmopolitan demands. Others are part of a more extensive portfolio that opens this spring. These luxury retirement communities usually charge an entrance fee to cover the cost of services and amenities. Depending on the community, heirs may or may not receive a portion of the remaining fee funds after their death. This type of community also provides a continuum of care, including memory and assisted living.