If you are ready to make the transition to a senior living community, you may not know which option is the best fit for what you need. Senior living is a broad term that encompasses different types of senior care. Because of this, you will need to do some research to pick the community that fits your lifestyle and health needs.
Keep reading to find out what your Teaneck, NJ, senior living community options are and how to pick the right one.
Senior Living Community Options
Because there are many different types of senior living communities, you will need to research what these options provide. Different communities provide very different levels of care, and the type of care you need will also dictate whether you qualify for one of these communities. Here are the three basic types of senior living communities you have to choose from in Teaneck, NJ.
Independent Living Community
A very common option seniors choose is moving into an independent living community. These are communities that cater to self-sufficient seniors who are generally 55 and older. These seniors do not require assistance with daily tasks as they still have a higher degree of independence.
Independent living communities mainly provide housing as well as a community layout for the residents. Seniors can come and go as they please and enjoy different amenities and things like social activities, wellness programs, and nutritional meals.
Assisted Living Community
In an assisted living community, you will get a higher degree of care than you would in an independent living community. Seniors who live in these communities usually require additional care for daily tasks but do not necessarily need medical assistance. They may need transportation, housekeeping services, and help with hygienic tasks.
Assisted living communities still provide a level of independence as well as wellness programs and activities. They are also a good fit for seniors who may require additional care in the future since they have more adaptable care plans.
Memory Care Community
A memory care community is very different from an independent or assisted living community since it is for those with memory-related conditions. Seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia usually join one of these communities as it provides a much higher level of care.
Memory care communities also provide a safer environment for seniors who may have a tendency to wander or may have serious mobility issues. Specialized care and activities are provided for various levels of memory loss, providing a greater range of memory-related care plans.
Factors to Consider When Looking at Senior Living Communities
Now that you know what your options are when looking for Teaneck, NJ, senior living communities, you also want to consider other things that set these communities apart from one another. Every community is slightly different, and you may have personal preferences that you will want to consider.
The Location
One of the very first factors you should consider before looking into senior living communities is the location. Most seniors prefer to join a community that is in their local area since they will be close to friends and family. This also allows you to enjoy the local landmarks and neighborhoods that you are familiar with.
Another thing to consider when it comes to location is how accessible the community is to other areas. For instance, how close is the community to your doctor's office or to another location that you regularly visit? Or you may want to choose a community that is right in the center of town so you have easy access to everything.
Price and Budget
Another important factor to consider is how much you can afford to spend on a senior living community. Different communities will have different price ranges, and the care plan you end up getting will also impact this.
Moving into a senior living community can feel very expensive, but you also want to take into account expenses you won’t have. An example of this is if you are moving from your home since you won’t have the usual set of individual bills or the expenses of upkeeping a home.
The price of senior living care is also a bit more dependable since it won’t fluctuate as frequently as standard bills.
Your Lifestyle
You are most likely used to a certain way of living, and you probably want to continue to live this way even in a senior living community. For some people, they may be very active and enjoy spending time outdoors. If this is the case, you would want to find a senior living community that gives you access to outdoor activities or outdoor spaces.
Another thing to consider is the types of activities and events the community has planned. This can include things like fitness programs, social activities, sports, crafts, or classes.
Many seniors choose to join a senior living community because they want more opportunities and activities that allow them to socialize and stay active.
Your Future Needs
One factor that many people tend to overlook is what their future needs may be. Certain senior living communities may not be able to acclimate your changing care needs depending on what they are.
If you have memory problems that are progressing, an option like independent living won’t be able to provide what you need long-term. You want to consider your health and how you believe it will progress, as well as how quickly it will progress.
Finding a Safe & Comfortable Community
Deciding to move into a senior living community is a big step, and you don’t want to take this transition lightly. You should focus on doing plenty of research into your local communities as well as making sure they have all of the amenities and services you will want. Use our free guide to Finding a Safe and Comfortable Community to help you choose the community best equipped to meet your needs.