Senior living communities cater to older adults who want to no longer want, or who are unable, to maintain their homes. These communities may be made up of privately owned homes in age-restricted neighborhoods where home and yard maintenance are provided by a homeowners association. Senior apartment complexes where all maintenance is included in rental fees also fit into this category. Residents of these types of senior communities are independent men and women who can look after themselves and do not need any help with daily tasks like eating and personal hygiene. These communities often include amenities such as swimming pools, as well as transportation services enabling residents to tend to errands without worrying about driving or parking their own vehicles. Planned social activities offer residents of these communities an opportunity to bond through shared interests.
Adult Daycare
Adult daycare facilities provide part-time care for seniors who live at home with a spouse, son or daughter, or other relative. Seniors do not live on the facility premises. Instead, they receive assistance from daycare staff during times when their loved-ones must be away from home for work or other reasons. Adult daycare facilities offer meals, assistance with medication and personal care and, in some cases, rehabilitation services. Guests are able to socialize with other seniors and take part in activities, such as arts and crafts, music programs, games, book clubs and the like.
Assisted Living Facilities
Many mature adults are able to handle most day-to-day tasks independently. However, as they age, they discover that they could use a helping hand with things such as managing their medications, meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, or transportation to appointments and other errands. Assisted living facilities offer help and support with these types of activities, as needed. These facilities have staff available 24 hours a day. However, they do not provide skilled nursing or professional medical care. Assisted living facilities usually offer a wide range of social activities for residents to take part in.
Skilled Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Facilities
Skilled nursing care and rehabilitation facilities provide care to residents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. They offer everything from personal grooming, managing of medication, and nutritional assistance to skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services that are overseen by medical professionals. Residents who respond well to rehabilitation services may be able to be discharged from the facility and go home. Since the need for skilled nursing and physical rehabilitation can arise at any age, these facilities may not be open exclusively to seniors.
Specialized Memory Care Facilities
While not specifically for seniors, memory care facilities are specifically designed to care for residents who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. In addition to care provided by skilled nursing care facilities, these communities offer specialized memory care assistance and activities. They provide residents with a carefully monitored and safe environment. While they may be located in stand-alone facilities, specialized memory care facilities are often established within skilled nursing care homes.
