Living Levels

Today’s portrait of retirement is a very different picture from days of old when the universal symbol was a rocker and a dreary convalescent home was expected to fit the needs of all. Many mature adults are enjoying good health and approaching their retirements with zeal, celebrating the opportunity to create experiences that stretch abilities and imaginations.

As a result of medical strides and the booming population of mature adults, there has been a renaissance in senior housing. The options are many. Three distinct types of senior living are described here – all within the parameter of a continuing care retirement community.

Independent Living

Between the three senior living levels (independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing), independent living has the most variety in terms of accommodations, services and amenities. The common factor for independent residents is self-sufficiency. You are able to organize your day and care for yourself. You may purchase or lease depending on the sponsoring organization.

Free standing accommodations such as towne homes or condominiums offer the most versatility. Apartments are typically situated together within a building where additional services and amenities are conveniently located. Retirement residences are also found within one building. As you conduct your research, you may discover that retirement residences can also be referred to by other names such as congregate living or supported living. Retirement residences can be suites or studios, but additional services are typically provided which enable residents to remain independent longer.

According to the non-profit web site www.helpguide.org, independent living is ideal for mature adults who:

• Are healthy and able to care for themselves
• Can communicate with doctors and caregivers themselves
  or with the help of family and friends
• Want to live independently
• Desire the security that is found in a seniors-only community
• No longer want to maintain a house
• Prefer to live among their peers to socialize and share recreational activities

Assisted Living

There is no common definition of assisted living in the United States. The National Center for Assisted Living estimates that there are approximately 36,000 assisted living residences nationwide. Assisted living is licensed by state governments, and the swelling tide of senior citizens is fueling increased regulation in the assisted living arena.

Assisted living residents cannot successfully live in an independent setting but do not need skilled nursing care on a daily basis. The “2006 Overview of Assisted Living” presents the following profile of assisted living residents:

• Average Age – 85 years
• Gender
• 76% female
• 24% male
• Assistance is needed with an average of 2.3 activities of daily living (compared to an average of 3.8 activities for skilled nursing residents)
• Most assisted living residents require help with:
• 91% housework
• 86% medications
• 68% bathing
• 47% dressing
• 34% toileting
• 25% transfers
• 22% eating

Skilled Nursing Care

Long-term care is a term that covers a variety of services to meet health and personal needs over an extended period of time. The National Clearing House for Long-Term Care Information is part of the federal government’s Administration on Aging. There is a wealth of information at www.longtermcare.gov including the following:

In 2007, about 9 million Americans over the age of 65 years needed long-term services.
By 2020, there will be 12 million.

Of the 65 year olds

• About 60% will require at least some long-term care
• Over 40% will need care in a “nursing home” for some period

Factors that increase your risk include:

• Age - The older you are, the greater the risk.
• Marital Status - Single people are more likely to engage a care provider.
• Lifestyle - Poor diet and exercise habits.
• Health and Family History

Assisted living and skilled nursing are both considered long-term care. Residents living in skilled nursing centers (which may also be called nursing homes or convalescence homes) need extensive care or supervision. Many people develop the need for long-term care over a period of time as a chronic illness or disability progresses or as age makes caring for yourself more difficult.

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