QuickOverview

With life expectancy now at an all-time high and predicted to climb even higher, finding senior housing is a task that all baby boomers must tackle - down the road. But while most are not quite ready to retire and move into a 55-and-over community themselves, their parents are. And since many of these seniors require assistance in making the right housing choice, that responsibility rests with their children.

Independent Living

The wish to live independently in one's own home, be healthy, physically and mentally fit, and then peacefully pass away at age 120, while asleep, is universal. The odds are that's not going to happen. Aging can be graceful, but usually it's not. At some point, a parent will likely need to move to a place that can accommodate his or her increasing needs. Years ago, there weren't many options. Grandma could live with a family member. Grandma could stay in her own home and hire part-time help to assist with cleaning, shopping, cooking and other everyday chores. Or, if her condition were really bad, Grandma would likely move into a nursing home.

Today, there are additional choices. To determine which would work best for your aging parent, each one has to be evaluated. Adult community - These residential complexes for those 55-and-older started to spring up in Florida and Arizona about 50 years ago. They can now be found just about anywhere. The cost of living in one of these communities can vary widely, depending on location, amenities and on the type of housing - single family home, condominium or apartment. One of their biggest selling points is that outside maintenance is part of the package. For a parent who is in relatively good shape but has had enough of mowing grass and shoveling snow, this could be a good fit.

Billed as a great choice for active adults, where swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, travel opportunities and lots of activities are available, they are not the right place for seniors with significant health issues. Independent living facility - This can be just a stand-alone apartment building or part of a complex with sections devoted to different levels of service and/or care. In most cases, residents have their own kitchenette, where some easy meals and snacks can be prepared and consumed. Main meals are eaten in the facility's dining room. And monthly rent usually includes apartment cleaning, activities (onsite and off-premises) and some transportation. It's a good option for seniors who can still get around and wish to have security, social and recreational opportunities, privacy and a hot meal that they don't have to prepare. Assisted living - Residents must be mobile, even if it's with the assistance of a walker or a power scooter, and have some degree of mental acuity. Seniors can have their own studio or one-bedroom apartment, or they can share a unit, in some instances. Along with the benefits listed above, additional meals, laundry service and some personal care are provided. A skilled nursing staff is available, in case of emergency, and residents are checked periodically throughout the day and night. If your parent needs help with bathing or taking medication, that is provided.

Supervised living

This type of housing can have an assortment of names including continuing care, which can also describe assisted living. It is for seniors who, though mobile, have been plagued with short-term memory problems, are not mentally sharp, and may or may not have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They can have their own room or share one with another resident. Nursing care, though not always by a registered nurse, is provided 24/7, and so are ability appropriate activities. The environment is usually simple to navigate, with no elevators or mazes of hallways that might further confuse or upset residents who must cope with diminishing cognitive abilities. Usually, there are electronic locks on facility exits that can only be opened by entering a secure code, preventing at-risk residents from leaving the premises unattended and wandering away. Nursing center or home - For frail seniors who are in failing health and physical condition and need the maximum amount of assistance, this is often the only option. A registered nurse is available at all times and staff provides additional assistance at meal times and with grooming and toileting.

Tips for finding the right place

It can be emotionally tough to suddenly find yourself in a role reversal with a parent. After being on the receiving end for so long, now you must be the advisor and caregiver. Before you set out on a search for senior housing for a parent, make sure you have a current and accurate picture of the situation. Talk to your parent, evaluate his or her abilities - physical and mental - and if there is any question about their condition, consult with their physician.

Make sure you respect their wishes, if at all possible. If your mom has a deadly fear of dogs, don't move her into a facility with therapy pups on the premises.

Do as much research as you can before you make a final decision. Where mom or dad will live can often be a matter of money. Costs at many assisted or supervised living facilities can run over $100 per day. If that's affordable, no problem. If it's not, there are government subsidy programs for seniors that will cover most expenses in a semi-private room at some assisted living and nursing facilities, after the resident's funds have been exhausted. Many of the more desirable facilities won't accept residents who need public financial aid.

Word of mouth is the most honest advertising for senior housing providers. Ask around and find out which places are highly recommended by family, friends, neighbors and anyone else you know. Also, check the ads in local newspapers and listings online. Many watchdog agencies rate senior facilities, and reports are available either for free or for a nominal fee. Once you have some promising possibilities, make a surprise visit to each facility. Explore the outdoor recreational areas. Walk the halls, talk to the residents and staff. Look over the activities calendar. Give everything a good look and sniff. Ask about furniture and personal pet policies. If dad has a favorite easy chair that he just couldn't live without and the place you are considering is small and fully furnished, that might be a stumbling block. If mom and her cat have an unbreakable bond, a facility that allows small pets will make the transition smoother.

Try to plan your visit for just before mealtime and make sure you wrangle an invitation for lunch or dinner. Every administrator will brag about the food. You must do your own taste test.

It's a big responsibilty and a tough assignment. But if you do your homework, you can rest assured that your parent will be in the safest and most comfortable setting possible.

Related Sites  (exchange links with this article)

Guide To Long Term Care - Long term care resource and long term care insurance quotes.

If you have your own webpage or website that is related to this article, please see our reciprocal link tool.