Senior Living Education Series: Types of Senior Living

At Sagora Senior Living we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together! This year we are introducing a new segment that you will see occasionally on our blog. The Sagora Senior Living Education Series will be featured from time to time and will provide useful information to help educate our community.

Our first Sagora Senior Living Education piece is a deep dive into the different types of senior living! According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “the number of people at least 65 years old who will need to move to senior living communities at some point is predicted to rise from 15 million in 2000 to 27 million by 2050.” A time may come when you or your loved one decide that moving to a more supportive environment like a senior living community is the best way to age optimally and ensure access to quality care. The options and information can be a bit overwhelming. Read on to learn more about your options and which type of community might be right for you or your loved one.

What Are Senior Living Communities, Exactly?

Senior living communities are communities or housing arrangements designed to cater to the living requirements of older adults and provide safe, healthy, and comfortable long-term care. Some communities cater to the general needs of older adults, such as physical accessibility, while others are specifically designed for people with chronic cognitive health conditions like dementia. Senior living communities may also provide recreational and fitness facilities, housekeeping services, continuing education opportunities, transportation assistance, medical care services and other essential and non-essential services to support residents in everyday life.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Senior Living

According to Richard Marottoli, M.D., a geriatrics specialist at Yale Medicine in Connecticut, it’s time to consider senior living if you feel isolated in your current living environment and want more of a community. Senior living communities may also be best for you if home maintenance and upkeep become too bothersome or if you worry about leaving your home unattended when traveling, he adds.

Sarah Hobgood, M.D., a geriatrics specialist at VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia, agrees with Dr. Marottoli, adding that it’s time to consider senior living if:

• You need help with instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) like planning your meals, shopping for groceries, and managing your medications.
• You experience social isolation or a decline in how often you go out and engage with peers.
• You’ve lost your partner or other family members in the home.
• You’ve been diagnosed with memory problems.

Different Types of Senior Living Communities

Just like people, not every senior living community is created equal. Consider how the various types of communities differ as you assess the needs of yourself or your loved one. While there are 7 main types of senior living, at Sagora Senior Living we specialize in the 4 most common options – Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Services.

Independent living (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)

Designed for older adults looking to enjoy the benefits of a community while maintaining their freedom. Independent living offers basic services including dining options and regular housekeeping. Independent living comes in many forms, from subsidized senior housing to continuing care retirement communities. This can be a great introduction to senior housing as it provides the best of both worlds.

At Sagora Senior Living’s Independent Living communities, you wake up and the day is yours and yours alone. Our comfortable apartments and cottages, unparalleled service and numerous amenities mean you can truly embrace the retirement lifestyle you deserve!

Assisted Living (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)

Balancing the line between independent living and additional support care are assisted living services. This option can be perfect for those needing a little more assistance. With on-call staff, trained chefs, scheduled activities and more, assisted living communities are a popular option for many aging Americans.

At Sagora Senior Living, we understand having people you can depend on is important. Our Assisted Living communities provide additional support services and personal care for our residents when needed. Our team members aim to maximize your independence and comfort. This, combined with our five-star amenities, relaxing living spaces and enriching activities, gives you a peaceful home with a family of people you can trust.

Memory Care (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)

This specialized senior housing option caters to a safe and secure environment for those suffering from illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Offering around-the-clock care, residents receive the attention they need.

Sagora Senior Living’s memory care program is designed to meet the dynamic needs of families and seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory-related diseases. We have experienced and compassionate team members that provide love and comfort to our residents every day. It is our mission to cherish and support our residents in every way possible to ensure a complete and fulfilling life. Consistent sights, sounds, aromas, and objects increase comfort and decrease anxiety. Residents have the freedom to interact with others or have privacy. Team Members’ communication with residents soothes and helps redirect their focus to positive memories and activities. We care, and it shows.

Respite Services (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)

Are you a caregiver looking for support? Respite services may be the solution to help your loved one live in place. Respite services provide professional assistance with daily activities and provide a break from the emotion and physical toll of caregiving.

At Sagora Senior Living, we provide short term respite care in our Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities. Our caregivers provide the assistance and companionship you need in order to maintain your lifestyle and care while your caregiver is away. We know that one size does not fit all! That’s why we develop personal plans tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Residential Care Homes

For those not requiring 24-hour assistance, residential care homes can be the right fit. They offer a certain level of independence while providing assistance with daily activities. These communities help with everything from transportation to medication distribution to make day-to-day life a little easier.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing homes are unique in that they provide 24-hour medical care. Staffed with in-house nurses, doctors and other medical practitioners, skilled nursing facilities provide a high level of assistance for those with medical conditions.

Retirement Community/55+ Community

Get social and stay active at a traditional retirement community. With several styles of communities, from age-restricted active adult communities to leisure communities, there are options available for almost any senior. Retirement communities make up for their lack of in-home care with greater resident autonomy, superior amenities, and far-reaching social platforms.

What Experts Say About Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

“Whether an older adult should move to a senior-specific residence, and which one, if so, is highly dependent on individual circumstances,” says Brock Beamer, M.D., a geriatrician with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center in Maryland. Generally, your choice of senior living communities will depend on affordability, proximity to family and friends, and available residences in the geographical area you wish to live in, explains Dr. Beamer.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hobgood, recommends considering the complexity of any medical conditions you may have and what kind of senior living community might be able to cater to your health needs now and years in the future. She advises that you also think about how much you prefer socializing with other people and whether you might prefer aging in place in the future (and what kind of resources you might need to make that arrangement a sustainable one).

Before making a decision, visit any communities you’re interested in, and spend as much time as possible to get a sense of what living there might look like, advises Dr. Marottoli. Also, speak with people who live there to get their views on the benefits and drawbacks of living in the community. Furthermore, consider a community’s proximity to your health care providers, family members and friends, transportation resources and activities you’re involved in, says Dr. Marottolo. By considering these factors, you can make your move and transition into a senior living environment a more seamless and comfortable one. Ultimately, it’s about finding a place where you or your loved one feels respected, listened to, and cared for.

We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.