Understanding Options and Terms in Today’s Senior Care
Finding senior living options isn’t easy, and it can be confusing. The number of Americans 65+ will increase by 3% each year over the next 20 years. By the year 2030, there will be over 70 million people over the age of 65. According to the Department of Human Services, the senior population will grow faster than the total population in all 50 states. Aging comes with adaptation and change, and there are many senior housing options to choose from. While most seniors want to stay home, this may not be the safest or least expensive option. In fact, at least 60% of seniors looking at nursing homes end up choosing an active senior living community.
More Option for Different Levels of Care
Finding senior living options can be a confusing process. Loved ones aren’t aware of all their options and they don’t know where to start looking. A recent survey found that most families start their search by looking at nursing homes. However, people looking at nursing homes rarely move into them. Out of 100 people looking at nursing homes, 59% of them end up choosing an active senior living community.
Senior housing options have increasingly evolved over the last 20 years, which could explain a lot of the confusion. Nursing homes are not synonymous with assisted living, which most people believe. Nursing homes used to be the main type of place for long-term care. Today’s nursing homes are mainly set up for short-term stays after a stay in the hospital to recover or have physical therapy.
Physical, mental, and financial health are the factors that contribute to a senior’s long-term and short-term care options. These three things determine the level of care that is needed based on financial resources, and there are many different options of care.
Assisted Living Offers an Extended Quality of Life
A variety of care allows active seniors to thrive because many senior living communities provide physical, mental and emotional stimulation in addition to medication management and nutrition. The socialization aspect of community living helps keep seniors happy, active, and alert. With varying levels of care, families can choose the best option for their loved ones. The great part about this is that many communities offer options where seniors can go through different levels of care as they get older.
Researching Senior Living Options
If you are planning your retirement or looking for a place for your loved one, there are many resources available to help guide you. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for an active senior living community or skilled nursing care, a senior living adviser can help to educate you and provide financial and senior living resources to match the needs of your family.
There is no need to search for nursing homes when there are other options available that are more appropriate. Today’s senior living options offer more personalized care. Here at Stillwater Senior Living, our staff will design a personal care plan that is tailored to the needs of your loved one.
CONTACT US to find out more and take a tour of our beautiful state-of-the-art community.