After you retire, you might find yourself wanting to downsize or just move elsewhere now that you have the freedom to do so. When considering where you might like to live, consider these different communities to see if any of them fit your needs:
1. Nursing Care--Nursing homes are for older adults who require care around the clock at and at a much higher level than those who reside in an assisted living community. Nursing homes provide staff nurses 24 hours a day.
2. Independent Living/Active Adult Community--"Independent living is a level of care that is below assisted living. Independent living communities are considered to be any form housing that is targeted to seniors over the age of 55. Independent living can include apartments as well as single family homes or townhouses. Typically there are activities planned for the members of the community as well as minimal assistance with yard work or other maintenance issues. Residents maintain as much independence as possible and are still able to perform all of the activities of daily living." (source www.assistedlivinginfo.org)
3. Assisted Living--"Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available if they need them. Assisted living communities are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and more. Some states also allow assisted living to offer medication assistance and/or reminders. Assisted living communities differ from nursing homes in that they don’t offer complex medical services." (source www.assistedlivinginfo.org)
4. Continuing Care (CCRC)--"A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers residents a full spectrum of care from independent living apartments or villas to assisted living and long-term care all on one campus. Many also offer short-term rehab services and specialized Alzheimer’s care. A CCRC offers residents peace of mind in knowing that whatever level of care they may need in the future, it is available to them. These communities are also referred to as retirement villages.
Residents usually move to a CCRC when they are still somewhat active and independent. They are then able to take advantage of all of the lifestyle programs a CCRC offers including social, recreational and educational activities. Many CCRCs also have travel clubs, garden clubs and other organizations in which residents can participate. Health and wellness programs are usually available as well.
As residents begin to age and need more care and assistance, they move through the levels of care the CCRC offers without having to shop for care with each change in health condition. They know the community and the staff and that makes the transitions easier." (source www.assistedlivinginfo.org)
