Around 80% of people aged 60-plus own their own home. While this marks a significant achievement and has likely been a labor of love, many find that maintaining a home is overwhelming as they get older. If that describes you, it may be time to investigate the different types of senior living communities.
There is a range of senior living options designed for people with various needs. While some types are relatively self-explanatory, other names can be confusing. For example, what is assisted living vs independent living?
In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about retirement community types so you can choose the right one for your needs.
What Is Retirement Living?
Senior housing choices don’t come much more stress-free than retirement living, also called independent living.
You can choose a great apartment from a range of floorplans. They typically range from one-bedroom, one-bath homes to larger two-bedroom, two-bath apartments with room for visiting friends and family. Many include balconies, allowing you to enjoy the best of Jacksonville’s delightful climate.
No More Cleaning and Maintenance
There’s no need to jump on a mower – or pay someone else – to enjoy manicured lawns anymore. If you get a leaky faucet, simply call in the maintenance crew, and they’ll take care of it. You get all the advantages of having your own place without the hassle of maintaining it.
You can even enjoy housekeeping services to keep your home as neat as a pin. You’ll find lots of extra time you can now use to do things you enjoy!
Many retirement living communities also have on-site dining options. This gives you the option of preparing food in your own kitchen, or heading down to the restaurant for a freshly cooked meal with friends.
Fun Activities With Great Company
For many seniors, loneliness is a big issue. The older we get, some of us venture out of the house less and less. Isolation can quickly set in – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
The National Institute on Aging recommends engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others. This can boost your mood, give you a sense of purpose, and even help you live longer.
Retirement living provides a daily program of activities that can fill that need. Get creative, enjoy exercise, or just play games and hang out with like-minded people.
Stay Connected With Family and Friends
The amenities in retirement living communities are not just for residents. Invite your family and friends over to enjoy them, too. Maintaining these bonds is crucial to get the best out of your golden years.
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living refers to senior care facilities that provide extra support. They do not have medical staff on-site, but they can provide personal care services. Plus, you get all the advantages and amenities discussed under retirement living.
Personal Care Services
There are no nursing staff on hand at assisted living communities. However, staff are trained to help residents with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Needs vary from person to person, but you could get support with:
- Preparing food and eating
- Getting bathed and dressed
- Personal grooming
- Toileting
- Getting in and out of bed
- Mobility support
Assisted living communities aim to help residents with moderate needs live their best lives. The staff will help you retain as much independence as possible and get the best out of the amenities.
Who Is Suitable for Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are for people who still enjoy relatively good health. They will not have any long-term health conditions that require daily nursing care. However, they may need help managing medications or testing for conditions such as diabetes.
Do you have, or anticipate that you will develop, a condition that requires nursing care? If so, other senior living options may be better suited to your needs. These could include personal care homes and nursing homes.
If you have been diagnosed with a memory condition, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, memory care could be the best option.
Exploring Memory Care
As many as 12% of Americans over 65 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. While memory issues are not an inevitable part of getting older, it’s reassuring to know there are senior living options that provide outstanding care if we need it.
The key to quality memory care is taking a personalized approach. Dementia affects individuals in different ways. Each person needs a bespoke care plan, supervision, and attention from a team of trained memory care nurses and nursing assistants.
Enjoying Life With Dementia
As well as providing the care people with memory problems need, memory care also makes life fun. This includes providing a friendly environment in which to socialize and play games. Activities that are appropriate to the level of each resident are provided so no one is left out.
Protecting Independence
Memory care also helps seniors to retain their independence for as long as possible. Some activities that support this include:
- Engaging with family and friends
- Religious participation
- Keeping fit
- Focusing on what they can do
Adaptable Nutrition
Memory problems can make it hard for seniors to concentrate or feel motivated at mealtimes. In memory care communities, staff ensure residents get the nutrition they need. One approach is flexible mealtimes, where food is served when the resident is ready to enjoy it.
Types of Senior Living Communities in Jacksonville, FL
The different types of senior living communities available allow every senior to find the right place to call home. From retirement living with its focus on independence to the tailored support of memory care, there are senior living options for everyone.
At Discovery Village at Deerwood, we are proud to provide three senior living options – retirement living, assisted living, and SHINE® Memory Care. Each has its unique benefits, but all are people-centered. Having all three in one location may even give you options for the future.
Why not see for yourself what life at Discovery Village is like? Click here to schedule a tour online, or call us at 904.326.0516.
