Whether the search for housing is due to a serious medical
condition or the desire for a lifestyle change, finding the right place to live
can be both stressful and challenging for the senior and their family. There
are many options to consider when looking at housing facilities for mom and dad.
Four options that you may want
to consider are Senior Apartments, Assisted Living, Group Homes, and Continuing
Care Retirement Communities.
Senior Apartments are subsidized apartments for low-income
elders who are still independent. They are completely specialized to take care
of the needs of the elderly. Because they cater to low-income elders, they are
usually run by a charitable organization or the government.
Another option is an assisted living facility. An assisted
living facility provides a small amount of supervision, but residents still
have a great deal of independence. The facility provides help and support when
needed throughout the day, including minor help with medications. Most
facilities like this provide a wide array of services as well as daily
activities to keep the residents active. Assisted living may be a good choice
if the senior needs more personal care services than what could feasibly be
provided at home and the senior doesn’t need continuous medical care and
supervision.
Group Homes are home facilities where an elder has a
roommate that he or she lives with. The facility usually provides housekeeping,
but does not necessarily provide any type of health care. The group home is
ideal for companionship and splits expenses between the two that live together.
Finally, there are Continuing Care Retirement Communities to
consider. Continuing Care Retirement Communities are complexes that provide all
types of care and housing. The facilities typically include independent living,
assisted living, and nursing home care in one location, so the senior can stay
in the same facility as their needs change over time. This is ideal for many
elders who want to continue their independence, have a large group of people to
interact with, and to have an array of activities to participate in. This type
of community is also ideal for those who have a spouse who requires a higher
level of care or who would like to live and age in one specific facility until
they pass away.
We encourage you to contact the Virginia Department for the
Aging or any other contact that may be able to help you decide what facility
would be best for your elderly parent.
Written by Heather W. Winter, Esquire
