Looking into senior living options can be a confusing process with all of the different choices available. Whether you are looking for a loved one or for yourself, there are many different things to consider. What is best depends on you or your loved one, the level of assistance needed, and whether being a part of a community is important. To help you during this process, we’re here to explain all of the different living options for seniors:
Aging in Place
Aging in place is a living option where older adults live in their own homes or with a family member. This option is good for individuals who are still relatively independent and can receive the assistance they need while remaining in their own homes. In-home caregivers, meal delivery services, cleaning companies, grocery services, and medication deliveries are all services that can assist in activities of daily living (ADLs). Some modifications may also be needed in order to make the home more accessible, such as putting in a wheelchair ramp, installing a security system, and adding grab bars to bathrooms.
Nursing Homes
Another option for older adults involves moving into a nursing home or skilled nursing facility where residents receive 24-hour supervision and care, including health management, meals, and activities. Nursing homes are usually for older adults who have severe physical or mental illnesses that make it impossible for them to care for themselves. Licensed physicians oversee the care of every resident in a nursing home, with nurses and other medical professionals on the premises at all times to help residents with any health issues that arise. Some nursing homes and facilities even have physical and occupational therapists on the staff in order to further help residents with the illnesses they are dealing with.
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized service for older adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care is often a unique offering within other senior living communities, like nursing homes, assisted living communities, and independent living communities. It includes a separate, secure living environment so residents can’t wander off on their own, and a specialized staff trained to care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. These communities offer memory care services and programming, personal care plans created by physicians and specialists, 24-hour assistance, meal plans, housekeeping, and laundry services. Much like the other senior living options, memory care facilities also include activities, events, and social interactions for residents, but all under the supervision of the staff.
Assisted Living
The next living option for older adults is assisted living. Assisted living communities are generally made up of small apartments and offer various assistive services depending on the needs of a particular resident. These services include offerings like 24-hour staff, meal plans, transportation, medication management, and other types of care, like getting dressed, helping with bathing, and housekeeping. These communities often feature a group dining area where residents can eat together, as well as other common areas that can be used for socializing and recreational activities.
Independent Living
One of the most popular options for older adults is independent living. This option is for individuals who can still care for themselves independently but may be seeking a greater sense of community. Independent living communities include personal apartments within a greater community where residents can cook for themselves or eat at on-site dining venues, bring their car with them or use provided transportation services, as well as enjoy many other perks like activities, trips, events, and even continuing to live with their pet. Independent living communities also offer many other amenities like housekeeping, fitness centers, libraries, and common spaces to socialize so residents have more time for their passions without worrying about household responsibilities!
Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses, Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services ala carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits.
At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability and learn more about our assisted living options.