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There are more than 56 million adults in the United States at age 65 or older. Because of the large number of older adults and their families who are interested in exploring options for support, it is helpful to understand the resources available. 

There are a variety of types of senior living communities, each designed to meet different needs and help seniors and their families in different ways. Some senior living communities focus on the physical needs of seniors, while others focus on specific health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Here are explanations for six of the most common types of senior living communities:

Communities for 55+

This type of age-restricted senior living community is for older adults age 55 and older. They can include different types of housing options, such as apartments, townhouses or single-family homes, but they do not provide medical services.

Independent Living

Independent living communities are best suited for older adults who want to enrich their lives and build their social circles. This type of senior living community does not provide health care services but does offer many social, recreational and educational activities for residents, as well as on-site meals and restaurants.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are a great fit for older adults who enjoy living independently but who need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and bathing. Many assisted living communities offer different levels of care to meet the unique needs of each resident.

Memory Care

Senior living communities focused on caring for older adults with diseases of cognitive impairment are called memory care communities. These communities create care plans to address residents’ daily needs and have specially trained team members who help residents navigate the challenges of memory loss.

Skilled Nursing Care

Older adults with chronic health conditions may benefit from skilled nursing care. These senior living communities work closely with health care professionals to create the best possible outcomes for residents.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are senior living communities for older adults who want a single environment that can support their changing health needs as they age. These communities offer multiple levels of care, while offering access to health care professionals and recreation, as well as services like fitness programs and meal planning.

Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Retirement can be such an exciting time! More free time for family and friends, travel and hobbies. New opportunities to explore and find new adventures. However, some seniors find living at home alone to be rather isolating during this new chapter of life. Moving to a senior living community not only helps to provide support for daily living needs and medical needs, but it offers a whole new world of social and recreational activities and opportunities. So, what are the biggest benefits of senior living communities?

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  • A low-maintenance lifestyle. There are no more chores in a senior living community! From yard work to laundry, meal preparation to house cleaning, senior living communities take on the hard work to allow residents to enjoy their golden years.
  • Personal care options. From wellness support to medication management and help with ADLs, caregivers in senior living communities are ready to help, anytime, day or night.
  • Safety and security. Accidents can happy to anyone, at any time. For residents in senior living, there is peace of mind in knowing they have help and support anytime it is needed.
  • Healthy lifestyle. Senior living communities create an environment that promotes healthy living. Many communities offer programs that focus on all aspects of health, including physical, mental and emotional health.
  • Transportation services. It can be a major life change for seniors when driving becomes unsafe. Senior living communities make sure that seniors continue to have the ability to get out and about, visit friends and family, go to restaurants and events and attend appointments.
  • Socialization. Social opportunities are one of the biggest benefits of senior living communities. Instead of spending hours each day home alone, there are book clubs, fitness classes, craft events and community meals to bring peers, neighbors and friends together.

What to Look for in a Senior Living Community

Once a family has decided that it is the right time for a move to senior living, has studied the options for senior living communities and recognizes the benefits of a senior living environment, it is time to choose the community that fits their individual needs. Here are a few key factors to consider as seniors and their families begin to search for their perfect community match:

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  • Location, location, location! Many seniors want to choose a senior living community near family or near a familiar area.
  • Consider the amenities. While most senior living communities offer on-site amenities, it is helpful to choose a community that has the amenities that appeal to the individual. Selecting a community that provides access to activities and hobbies that a senior enjoys will allow them to fill their days following their passions.
  • Contemplate the future. A senior’s needs will change over time. It is important to consider this when choosing a senior living community. Many seniors and their families want to select a community with the ability to adjust and continue to support residents as their needs change over time.
  • Understand the environment. Each senior living community has a culture all its own. Making an in-person visit to communities that seem like a good fit is a great way to understand how it feels to be in the community, how residents feel about their surroundings and what daily life looks like.

About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care

Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is committed to creating the best possible experience for each and every resident. We operate under a YOUNITE philosophy, which means we focus on your needs, your preferences and your goals. On a daily basis, we:

  • Enable your healthy-as-possible outcomes
  • Encourage your continued personal growth
  • Empower you to direct and control your daily living

Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, Thrive memory care, rehabilitation and extended stay and respite programs, Tutera Senior Living is able to meet the needs of seniors and their families throughout the aging journey. Our core values of respect, integrity, hospitality and positivity drive our decisions and our program planning, ensuring there are choices available for every senior’s interests and needs, creating lots of moments of joy!

Interested in learning more about Tutera Senior Living? Contact us today so we can answer your questions and tell you more about our care and our culture! Want to explore your options for a community near you? Try our community finder tool and learn more about each Tutera location!

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