When choosing where to spend your senior years, there are a variety of options available. Each living situation comes with its own set of pros and cons, and choosing what is best for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
In order to best analyze where to spend your senior years, ask yourself some questions.
1) What are your physical limitations? Are stairs too risky? Can you drive or do you need to be close to grocery stores and life amenities?
2) What would improve your quality of life? Is living alone refreshing or isolating? Would a retirement community add beneficial activities into the day or be exhausting?
3) Is being close to children and grandchildren (and maybe great-grand children) an important factor?
After analyzing your priorities, you'll be better equipped to discern what living options fit your needs and preferences best. The below is a list of options available for senior living.
(Photo - The Cedars Retirement Community in Leo, Indiana)
Age Restricted Communities
An age restricted community may be ideal if you are looking to age in place with community and relationships with others in a similar life stage. This scenario would involve having full mobility and capabilities.
Independent Living
Independent living is a great next step for someone who needs a little more connection than an age-restricted community. It allows you the freedom to live independently, but have the support of a local community. Independent living opportunities usually do not provide any form of health care, but offer convenient access to activities, community resources, and support from a nearby continuing care retirement community.
Continuing Care Retirement Community
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is for individuals who are beginning to need more support with daily life requirements, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping. It provides a form of independence with support in areas that may be too physically challenging for an individual to continue providing for themself.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is the option that is best suited for individuals for whom living alone is no longer safe. This option provides support with daily living needs such as meals, bathing, getting in and out of bed, and medication administration.
Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility
A skilled nursing home facility is best for individuals with advanced dementia and Alzheimer's. This option provides 24-hour care for individuals who require hands-on support and monitoring, whether for health reasons or diminished mental/physical capacity.
Choosing which living option is best for you in your senior years can be an emotionally challenging process. Consider talking with a counselor about your feelings and concerns. Also, consider interviewing local communities to determine what is the best course of action for you. It's important to process your emotional journey through this stage of life. Transitioning from independent living to care options may require emotional support and processing with a counselor or trusted family member.
The Cedars Retirement Community is here to help you navigate the emotional challenges & find the best fit for your needs and capabilities. We'd love to schedule a tour of our facilities to determine what is best for you or your loved one. Feel free to reach out today to learn more about retirement home options in Leo, Indiana.