6 minute read
Senior Living: What is it, Where do I Start
Placement Services: The "Concierge" of Senior Living
Placement Services: The "Concierge" of Senior LivingBelieve it or not, we all start aging from the time we are born. As we age, we become more seasoned and more knowledgeable about the things around us while making decisions that impact our futures. These futures may include transitions, moves, and accommodations that become our navigation through our many chapters of life. For example, many purchased their first home around the time they decided to settle down and get married or have children. However, the opposite may occur when the children move out; we look to downsize. Typically, in these scenarios, we work with our Realtor partners and find what will be the next fit for the next chapter of life. However, there is no manual to say this is the natural path of what to do when it comes to senior living.
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When it comes to senior living, we don’t often have the opportunity or luxury to shop for our next home and pick based on feeling or love. That was until the concept of assisted living placement services. This concept of “howto” find the perfect home has been the saving grace for families all around the country and extended families who may not be able to be present in the decision-making process. To many, it becomes the eyes and ears of opportunity and, finally, the ability to have expertise in all senior living options, not just one.
Many are probably asking how does this process work and what exactly can it do for me. Allow us to take you on an adventure. Beginning with the reality of what we are going to do, the question becomes a reality. Working to age in place is a goal for many but may not always be a reality until you are set for success. That is where placement specialists come in. Establishing yourself with a placement company local to where you are seeking guidance on living options will provide you with ample opportunity to sit down and discuss potential budget ranges, care needs, and what you want in your next phase of living.
Let’s face it; senior living has changed dramatically over the last five years, from standard “facility” like builds to luxurious retirement communities with pools, activities, social living, and more trips and outings than we could imagine! But how do you know it is the one? The process of determining those needs mentioned above. Handson specialists can narrow down potential living options, schedule virtual or in-person tours, show photos, set up meetings with lifestyle specialists and coordinate all the ins and outs of your visits. One advantage and possibly the best advantage is these services are oftentimes FREE to you! Specialists specialize in bringing forth the information to you based on your needs and wants in many ways acting as a concierge of senior living.
But what if you want to plan your own move and look at all of your options. This is completely okay as well. Just understanding what senior living options are available is knowledge worth knowing. Whether you, a loved one or a friend working to be educated and proactive is an advantage for anyone.
Ask yourself, do you know the difference between senior communities such as assisted living, independent living, and Continuing Care Communities (CCRC’s)? Let’s take a moment to start with the basics of what exactly they are and some of the advantages.
Independent Living Communities or Senior Housing
When referenced, senior housing or independent living communities are just what you hear in their name. Apartments, townhouses, or condominiums for seniors and only seniors. Some may categorize this by age, typically 55 and older, or as a part of a complex with multiple offerings. Independent living allows seniors to live within the community, however, come and go as they please, coordinate their activities, travels, etc. For many, it serves as its own freestanding homes or building just for seniors.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities provide similar setups as independent living communities in many instances. However, they tailor to those who may need some assistance or maybe planning for the future where they know they need more “hands-on” assistance. Assistance may be with needing a location that offers meals, assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing, and in many instances, medication assistance. Depending on their licensure, these communities can tend to seniors and those in need with a variety of care options. Some are all-inclusive in pricing, and others are à la carte based on the services the individual or couple may need.
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized portion of senior living that is truly just that a specialty. Assisted living communities that have the privilege to offer memory care services provide seniors or those with memory deficits such as dementia or Alzheimer’s the opportunity to progress based on their condition’s needs and their individual needs. Apartments and studios are ways of living with enhancements such as lighting to indicate time of day or guidance to the bathroom, music designed to promote response, shadow boxes outside of doors to enhance the potential of locating the correct apartment, and much more. Technology, innovations, and specialty training programs have allowed advancements in memory care activities, designs, and living to meet individual needs. Whether you prefer memory care that is a stand-alone community or integrated within an assisted living community, the options are customized to those who need this specialized service and care. Memory care may follow the same path as assisted living in that the cost is all-inclusive for services or maybe an à la carte community where you design your cost and services based on the needs.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
CCRC’s provide an opportunity to move into a community that can service any and all needs one may encounter during the course of our journey through life. The luxury with a CCRC is majority of the time they can tailor to fit your needs all within one complex. Whether the need is for senior housing within independent living within a cottage or home setting versus an apartment or perhaps the need to transition into assisted living from independent living, both environments are typically offered within the CCRC. Additionally, in the event, skilled nursing care at a skilled nursing facility or memory care may also be provided as a complement of services within the CCRC. All of which are within the same campus and locations to fit your needs.
As a whole, living arrangements can be overwhelming no matter the age or time of life. Determining the path that best suits you, your family, or your loved one can also be overwhelming. Whether working on your own to plan ahead for the future or working with a placement specialist, the opportunities are endless. Our goal is to provide options as well as a place to start. If you are ready to begin your journey with assistance, reach out to a specialist today to learn more!