A senior retirement community in tampa offers the security of knowing that healthcare needs will be met on-site. It can also provide the opportunity to socialize and establish new friendships.
A move to a senior living community may provoke mixed emotions for your loved one, but it can give them back their independence and reduce the stress of managing their own home. Here are some tips to help ease their transition.
Independent Living
Independent living retirement communities are ideal for self-reliant seniors looking to downsize without the hassles of home maintenance and chores. They aren’t usually equipped to provide extensive medical care, but many offer onsite services like weekly apartment cleaning and laundry.
Some independent living facilities include a recreation center or clubhouse and plan life-enriching activities that allow residents to connect with their peers. Ask about these opportunities before deciding on a community.
Also, make sure to visit the building before move-in day and get a feel for the layout and staff. If transportation services are offered, find out if they’re available on all days or only on certain ones, and how far away your potential new home is from your doctor’s office and other destinations.
Assisted Living
Assisted living in a retirement community offers help with activities of daily living, including bathing and dressing and managing medications. It is a good option for seniors who are experiencing social isolation or have a hard time navigating their homes due to difficulty climbing stairs or reaching items in cabinets, says Dr. Beamer.
Typically, assisted living residents have private apartments with personal care aides providing assistance when needed. The staff can also help with meals, medication management and housekeeping. On-site physical therapy and occupational therapy are often available as well.
While researching a retirement community, it is important to talk to current residents and schedule a tour. This is an opportunity to see if the facility feels like a home and ask questions. It is also a good time to discuss financial considerations with a member of the community’s financial team.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing care provides around-the-clock medical treatment and supervision for seniors who require rehabilitation and specialized care that is beyond what family members or home health services can provide. Medicare typically covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days if your loved one has a doctor’s order.
Elders who live in skilled nursing facilities receive daily treatment and treatment from trained medical professionals, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. These facilities can help improve motor, cognitive and communication skills and can also provide wound care and medication management. These communities can be short term to bridge the gap between hospitalization and returning home or long-term if a senior needs to continue receiving skilled nursing care for an ongoing condition. These facilities are also referred to as nursing homes or healthcare centers.
Memory Care
For those with dementia, memory care in a retirement community provides a safe and secure environment, personalized care as their needs change and a range of engaging activities. In some states, including New York, low-income seniors may be able to pay for residential memory care services through Medicaid waiver programs.
When looking for memory care in a retirement community, it’s important to ask questions like: Does the facility offer person-centred care? What types of dementia-specific training do staff receive? And how do they take residents’ interests into account when planning activities and meals?
To help you determine what type of retirement community best suits your needs, use our free housing and care finder. You can also contact local area agencies on aging or the New York State Department of Health to access inspection and citation records for facilities in your area.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities, also called life plan communities or CCRCs, offer a continuum of senior living. Residents enjoy independent living, and as their health needs change, they can transition to assisted living or memory care. They can even receive long-term nursing care if necessary.
These communities charge an entrance fee and monthly fees, based on the type of contract chosen. For example, a “type A” CCRC will offer an extensive life-care contract, which covers most healthcare services.
Unlike traditional homeownership, CCRCs provide a maintenance-free lifestyle. They remove the stress of home ownership and allow seniors to enjoy a wide range of social, recreational, and wellness activities without the worry of aging in place.