Definitions

Senior Housing & Senior Communities

Senior housing, also known as senior communities, can cover a broad spectrum of services or housing possibilities. Although it is commonly believed that elder care only serves those who require skilled nursing care, many choices now exist for various types of care services due to the varied demographics of aging today.

For many the search for senior housing can begin while one is still quite active and then there are some communities that offer different levels of senior care.

What types of senior care are available in these communities?

Senior care begins when previously independent individuals are no longer able to perform life's daily routine activities. For many recipients, the process evolves into different types of care as mental and physical capacities decline. A typical elder care cycle often includes the following:

1. Custodial care, which includes assistance with a activities of daily living such as grocery shopping, bathing or driving.
2. Skilled care, in either a nursing facility or at home, often including rehabilitation after surgery or illness.
3. Care for cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia; and
4. Palliative care for individuals who can no longer benefit from regular medical treatment.

Here is a comprehensive list of the types of senior housing available:

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A CCRC, also referred to as a life-care community, combines residential accommodations with health services. The purpose of a CCRC is to allow residents to receive the appropriate care across a continuum, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care, as their needs change, without having to leave the retirement community. This ensures that residents will be cared for through end-of-life. CCRCs usually charge residents an entrance fee as well as a monthly payment. The entrance fee may include the cost of purchasing a unit, or it may be a one-time fee in order to join the community.

Continuing care retirement communities span a continuum of care according to the needs of senior residents. Services range from assisted living (which provides some housekeeping, social activities, supervision and assistance with basic activities like personal hygiene, dressing, eating and walking) through skilled nursing care for seniors requiring medical care prescribed by a physician. For information on finding, assessing and paying for CCRCs, read Continuing Care Retirement Communities Explained.

Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living facilities are residences for seniors who require some care or help with the activities of daily living . Assisted living facilities provide room and board, some housekeeping, social activities, supervision and assistance with basic activities like personal hygiene, dressing, eating and walking. Most facilities offer three meals per day, as well as snacks in between meals.

These facilities are considered nonmedical facilities and are not required to have nurses, certified nursing assistants or doctors on staff, although many facilities do have medical staff either onsite or on call. Medications can be stored and distributed for residents to self-administer. For information on finding, assessing and paying for assisted living, read Assisted Living Explained.

Alzheimer's Care Facilities

As Alzheimer's disease progresses to middle or later stages, it is often necessary to place the patient in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, preferably one that specializes in treating Alzheimer's and dementia, in order to ensure proper care. Assisted living facilities offer custodial care, which includes assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating and toileting, as appropriate. In addition, assisted living aides can provide medication reminders. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services such as physical, speech and occupational therapies; assistance with personal care activities such as eating, walking, bathing and using the toilet; coordinated management of patient care; and social services and activities. Medications are administered and daily living tasks are planned and delivered in a caring and trusting environment.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs-pronounced "sniffs") and convalescent homes. Nursing homes are live-in facilities that provide medical treatment prescribed by a physician.

SNFs provide twenty-four hour nursing care; rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy; assistance with personal care activities such as eating, walking, bathing and using the toilet; coordinated management of patient care; social services; and activities.

These nursing care facilities cater to several types of patients: some patients require short-term rehab while recovering from surgery; others require long-term nursing and medical supervision. In addition, some SNFs offer specialized care programs for Alzheimer's or other illnesses, or short-term respite care for frail or disabled persons when a family member requires a rest from providing care in the home. For information on finding, assessing and paying for nursing homes, read Nursing Homes Explained.

Posted in: Are They Right For You?, Glossary, Is It Right For You?, Weighing your Housing Options, When Is It Time to Move?

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