About Senior Living

Senior living refers to the time when the elderly either no longer wish or are no longer capable of being able to live on their own. There are a variety of residential facilities that seniors can move into based on preference and personal care needs.

Candidates

Seniors recognized as candidates for assisted living are those that are in need of support and assistance with daily living activities. These activities can include management of medication, bathing, getting dressed, grooming and walking. There are also seniors that may need help with being fed or monitored due to being at risk for frequent falls, as in the case of dementia or Alzheimer's. 

Type of Facilities

The type of facility that a senior decides to move into will depend largely upon the level of care needed. For independent seniors looking to be surrounded by other seniors, there are senior retirement apartments and independent living communities. These facilities usually have an age requirement for admittance and do not offer any type of care services.

Assisted living communities offer care services for seniors that range from medication management, to assistance with day-to-day activities like bathing and grooming. Some assisted living communities are dedicated solely to seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia and provide 24-hour care.  

Costs

The cost of senior living varies depending on the type of services needed. For example, continuing care retirement communities that provide nursing home care start at $20,000 annually in most areas. Seniors living in independent communities typically pay anywhere from $1000 to $4000 a month. For low-income seniors that qualify, there is subsidized senior housing through HUD Housing or Section 8. With these programs, rent is based on the ability to pay and usually is a percentage of the senior's income. Due to increased need, many of these programs have long waiting lists, so seniors are encouraged to apply 1 or 2 years before they even reach the age of qualification.