-
A senior community can be like any other neighborhood
or community except restricted to people usually 55 or over, or
62 and over. Differences in minimum age is usually established when
the original community entitlement and funding is obtained. Those
with a 55+ restriction require one resident to be 55+. Other
residents must be over 18, but are permitted to be younger than
55. In a 62+ community all residents must meet the age requirement.
HUD regulations used to require amenities, activities and services
that cater to seniors to be provided or available. Although no longer
required by law, to be competitive and attractive to a retirement
lifestyle, age restricted communities are continuing to offer amenities,
activities and services that cater to residents.
Retirement Communities are oriented toward an active
lifestyle, or "younger thinking" seniors. They might offer golf,
tennis, swimming pool and spa, exercise rooms and a variety of clubs
and interest groups.
-
Some older seniors sell their homes of many years
and move to an apartment. This frees up equity that can then supplement
income through interest or dividends earned through investment of
the capital. The move also frees seniors from home maintenance and
grounds-keeper chores. For others living in a large complex of all
seniors also affords a greater sense of security than living in
a private home.
-
Modular Home Communities have full time residents
or ones who reside only part of the year with them. Part time residents
may be "snowbirds" coming for three months or a bit longer.
The lots and the mobile units (which are not really very mobile)
may be leased to, or owned by, the residents.
-
Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity, Accessory Units,
Granny Flats refer to a housing opportunity where seniors occupy
a second family living unit or apartment with a separate entrance,
on a single family lot, with another family. Generally they are
permitted by the jurisdiction to foster affordable housing, or aid
families with elderly parents unable to live completely alone. The
owner of the home and lot may be a senior, or the "renting"
party may be seniors.
-
Seniors can share their home, or share the home of
another. The roommate need not also be a senior. Professional organizations
which specialize in these arrrangements match the two parties based
on needs on one side with abilities to provide on the other side.
They screen before matching and follow up afterwards to help the
match work out. Most organizations who do this are non-profit
and supported from sources other than those seeking their help.
Seniors who share their home, are Aging
In Place, and should understand the planning that will help
to do it successfully.
-
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
or communities offering Life Care are designed to offer active seniors
an independent lifestyle and a private home from which to enjoy
it, regardless of future medical needs. They may require buy-in,
or an up-front annuity purchase followed by monthly payments
covering services, amenities and needed medical. The buy-in
may be refundable in part, or not at all.
They provide the availability of multiple levels
of care, without the uncertainty of wondering where you will live.
-
Congregate communities offer independent living in
private separate apartments, and the opportunity to share activities
of daily living with other residents as one chooses. They may offer
rental or ownership units.
-
Assisted Living (or Residential Care For the Elderly/RCFE)
offers help with non-medical aspects of daily activities in an atmosphere
of separate, private living units. It can be likened to Congregate
living for residents less able to function independently in all
aspects of their daily lives. In some states licensing is required.
-
Board and Care is usually offered in what may appear
as a converted home. It provides a homelike setting with supervision
and care for 4-10 residents (Foster care, available in some
states is limited to 2 residents).
-
Skilled Nursing Facilities may be freestanding, or
part of a seniors community offering any or all of the following:
Congregate
Assisted Living
Continuum of Care
It may specialize in Short Term or acute nursing
care, intermediate or long term skilled nursing care.
-
Early stage Alzheimer's patients may be accommodated
in a Congregate or Independent wing of a multi-level campus.
Many Assisted Living Communities will accept and successfully house
early stage residents. As the disease progresses patients develop
argumentative behavior, "sundowning" and wandering habits.
Generally the communities best equipped to deal effectively with
this middle stage patient are Alzheimer' Communities.
-
Senior Day care varies from "custodial care" with
programs for stimulation and rehabilitation to day care providing
medical care and procedures.
