If you’re used to living on your own, there’s no reason to think that you can’t continue to enjoy the same quality of life once you need more assistance. Many people who have gotten used to a luxurious lifestyle are in the fortunate position of being able to choose equally luxurious senior living accommodations.
The senior living industry has grown at a rapid pace. As of today, there are more than 28,000 assisted living facilities alone in the United States. That’s a 50 percent rise from 2007. With that increase in construction comes a much wider range of options. Now, seniors can choose from a variety of different types of luxury senior living.
What Are the Different Types of Luxury Senior Living?
When looking at senior living facilities, it’s important to take a variety of factors into account. Many seniors start this process with their families a few years before they’ll need to move, as it can take time to put a house on the market and secure a place in a new living facility.
During the initial exploration process, it can help to research every option and think about the needs of your family. Deciding which area you’d like to be in can narrow the scope of your search as well. Many people prefer being near family, while others find the safety of being close to a hospital comforting. You should also think about how much assistance you may need in the future.
Retirement Community
A retirement community is a group of apartments or homes that are rented or owned entirely by seniors. A retirement community is the broadest category of senior living, as it can encompass anything from completely independent living facilities to centers where people live independently but have services like housekeeping and transportation included as part of their monthly payment.
Retirement communities are ideal for people who want to maintain their independence but may require some assistance. Many retirement communities put a focus on socializing and offer plenty of activities organized by either the management or a social committee.
Retirement communities may not be ideal for people who require more care or who may require more care in the near future. These communities can also make people feel odd if they’re not used to living in such a social environment.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are essentially a type of retirement home, but with staff on-site who are available to offer assistance. They offer more supervision and extra help for people who may be in the early stage of memory loss or Alzheimer’s but aren’t yet ready to move into a nursing home.
Typically, assisted living facilities offer rooms to rent, rather than entire apartments. The layout is specifically designed for people with mobility and memory issues, which means that it’s easy to get around, and you’ll never feel limited by your environment. There are also regularly scheduled activities, like social clubs and exercise classes, so you’ll get all the benefits from socializing and exercise without having to leave the house.
However, for some people, assisted living is not a place that they would choose to be, so they have problems adjusting to their new environment.
Nursing Home
A nursing home provides around the clock care for people who need close medical attention. Depending on which one you choose, there are some that are set up like homes, while others cater to seniors who need lots of medical interventions, so they’re set up more like a hospital. Nursing homes are continually staffed with nurses and doctors, so you’ll be able to receive immediate assistance whenever necessary. If you have a medical or neurological condition that makes it impossible for you to care for yourself, you may eventually need the care that a nursing home can provide.
Nursing homes are no one’s first choice, but they offer a lot of health benefits and the security of around-the-clock care.
How Much Does Luxury Senior Living Cost?
Options for senior living can range in cost quite widely.
Typically, independent retirement communities are the cheapest option with monthly payments ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the quality of the housing and the location. You may also pay extra for luxury amenities like in-suite dining, community golf courses, pools, on-site gyms, and lounges.
When it comes to assisted living facilities, average rent per private room ranges between $2,355 and $5,933 per month, depending on your location. Luxury extras could include laundry service, housekeeping, and transportation to social activities outside of the building.
The most expensive option for luxury senior living is a nursing home since it comes with the highest standard of medical care. The average cost of a private room in a nursing home is $7,541 per month, although opting for a shared room could cut those costs down to around $6,750.
Where to Find Senior Living Options
The best way to start your search for senior living options is by talking to your friends and family in order to get their recommendations. Many people have been frightened by nursing home horror stories. But as long as you’re able to hear the personal perspective of people who have experienced each option, you’ll be able to get a good sense of whether you would fit in.
Researching your options will help you figure out which type of facility and location best suits your needs.