Active Adult Communities Senior Living Options for Your Aging Loved One 12/30/2020 | By Seniors Guide Staff Many adult children recognize that a parent or parents may need more care than they can provide. In many cases, the first thing that comes to mind is a nursing home. And although these skilled nursing facilities, as they are now called, could be the answer, several other options might be more appropriate. These include: Continuing care retirement communitiesIndependent living communitiesActive Adult communitiesSenior apartmentsAssisted living Here are the details of the senior living options that might be ideal for your aging loved one. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are one of the long-term care options for older adults who wish to remain in the same place through the aging process’s various stages. The 2,000 or so continuing care retirement communities in the country provide housing and care to match seniors’ changing needs. Residents could begin their stay living independently in an apartment and later convert to assisted living as they require more help with their daily activities. Or they might transition to skilled nursing to receive extra medical care – all while living in the same community. CCRCs offer various care, services, and activities at one facility, giving residents stability and a sense of familiarity as they age. Independent Living Those who want to experience a lifestyle in which they can continue to pursue their interests will likely prefer independent living without having to concern themselves with household chores. While these communities provide home ownership’s comforts, they do so without the bother of mowing, landscaping, maintenance, and snow removal. Instead, they are designed to offer the feel of a private home with the opportunities to participate in social activities such as excursions, fitness classes, and other social get-togethers. Independent living communities give residents the option to design the kind of retirement they envision, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. These communities are ideal for older adults who are active and want the freedom to pursue these activities unencumbered by various mundane tasks. Active Adult Communities Like independent living communities, active adult communities offer relatively maintenance-free living for those aged 55 and over. There are two types of active adult communities: Age restricted: at least 80% of the homes must have at least one person over 55. Age targeted: marketing to the 55-plus age group but not limited to adults over the age of 55. Homes in these types of senior living options may be single-family houses, townhouses, apartments, condos, or even mobile homes. They are often set up near shopping, restaurants, and local attractions. Some of their benefits include less maintenance, convenient amenities, and being in a community of peers with similar interests. Keep in mind, however, that there are no on-site care facilities in 55-and-over communities. If you need care, you will have to arrange for in-home care services. Senior Apartments As the name suggests, senior apartments are apartments within a community or complex designed with older adults in mind. They often have age restrictions, laundry and housekeeping services, and amenities that include spas, fitness centers, and salons. These senior living options are ideal for older adults who find that living in a house or traditional apartment is no longer their best option. The components of a conventional home, condo, apartment, such as stairs and high cabinets, make life more difficult as they age. Chores such as cleaning, laundry, and various other household duties begin to take up more of their time. For those seniors, choosing a senior apartment over traditional housing options make the most sense. Assisted Living Assisted living is one of the long-term senior living options that provide housing, personal care services, and health care to those who need assistance with daily activities and do it in a way that promotes independence. These services might come from self-supporting communities, or they could be integrated with skilled nursing homes, hospitals, continuing care retirement communities, or independent housing complexes. Most assisted living residents are seniors, including some with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, some communities serve individuals with developmental disabilities and those with specific medical conditions, regardless of their age. Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.