Senior Care Solutions Until You’re Ready for Senior Living

A fact of life is that all people age. There are times when aging and the life changes that come along with it can be stressful. Frequently older adults or their adult children need to make decisions about care options as their needs change. Should they remain at home or consider moving to a senior living community?

Senior living communities can be a great option.  But maybe the timing isn’t right or maybe you don’t feel ready to make the move just yet. Luckily, there are other options and resources available to support your changing needs until you’re ready to make the move to a senior living community.

 

Choosing the Best Alternative to Senior Living

There are several factors that older adults and their families should consider before choosing an alternative to a senior living community:

• Be realistic about care needs. Does your loved one need occasional help with simple tasks like cooking and cleaning, or do they need daily support with dressing, bathing, or mobility?
• Understand the requirements of caring for a loved one within your home. Does your family have the time, energy, and financial capacity necessary to support your loved one’s needs?
• Consider the potential health implications of an older adult living alone. Explore alternatives to senior living that incorporate social activities or companionship.

 

Alternative Options

Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes offer a similar level of care and support as assisted living, but in a residential setting. It’s a good fit for older adults who would enjoy a smaller, more intimate environment. Residents can receive support with activities of daily living, home-cooked meals, and 24-hour care. Residential care homes are a great option for older adults who value daily support but prefer their care in a smaller location.

The smaller setting of residential care homes may not be for everyone. Compared to assisted living facilities, residential care homes typically provide fewer amenities. While assisted living generally offers private rooms and apartments, many residential care homes only have shared accommodations.

Most care homes aren’t wheelchair accessible. Because care homes are houses, it’s rare to find one that’s modified for a wheelchair user. Access to various levels of assisted living care may be limited, so be sure to do thorough research to see if a residential care home is right for you and your loved one’s needs.

 

Adult Day Care

Adult day care takes place at a center, similar to a youth day camp or a senior center, where older adults can go while their primary caregiver is working or taking a break from providing care. These centers usually offer a range of care services in addition to engaging activities and events. Most, but not all, offer transportation services to and from the older adult’s home.

While adult day care may not replace the around-the-clock support of assisted living, it could be paired with other services, to create a combination that fulfills the needs of both the family caregiver and their loved one.

 

 

Respite Care

Respite care is similar to adult day care. Respite care provides services outside of the older adult’s home. Respite care consists of a short-term stay at a senior living community, where care services are similar to what full-time residents receive. An older adult can expect support with meal preparation as well as activities of daily living. Someone staying in respite care can participate in the community’s daily activities and events.

Respite care is an ideal option for family caregivers who need a break from caring for a loved one. If a family has been considering assisted living, respite care could be a good chance for their loved one to sample what it’s like to live in an assisted living community without committing to making the move.

 

Home Care in Your Own Home

Home care in your own home is an alternative to assisted living for older adults who would prefer to age in their own home. Offering companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily activities, home care services are provided to older adults in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Home care can offer family caregivers a break, especially if they are also working or have other obligations.

Home care can be customized based on the older adult’s needs and lifestyle. If your loved one is social, transportation to events and activities can be organized. For individuals who prefer to stay in, caregivers can offer companionship by having conversations, playing games, or helping to cook meals.

The level of care provided will vary based on an individual’s needs, but it’s important to note that nursing care is not included in home care. This is where assisted living and home care can differ —assisted living communities have health care professionals on staff. Home health can be ordered by a doctor, but it is a different service from home care.

 

Accessory Dwelling Unit or Living with Family

If you or another member of your family have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), otherwise known as an in-law apartment, this may provide the solution for your loved one. A basement or floor that has everything your loved one needs works well too. Depending on family dynamics, a bedroom may work just as well.

For an older adult, moving in with family is another alternative to assisted living that provides familiarity, security, and companionship. It’s important to note that challenges may arise for a busy family whose members regularly work or have other obligations outside of the home. There are several ways to organize care for a loved one who shares your home. Social opportunities through home care services, respite care, or adult day care  may create healthy boundaries and help meet the needs of the entire family.

 

Monitoring Devices

While monitoring devices cannot replace the care and supervision offered in a senior living community, they can provide some peace of mind for caregivers. These wearable devices can help caregivers monitor their loved one remotely. In addition to the ability to track vital signs, many devices are also equipped with GPS tracking and alert systems that can notify family members or medical professionals of an emergency. These monitoring devices can be a good option for older adults who live independently or with family.

Taking the time to research all senior living possibilities, including assisted living options, will help you create a plan that works for you and your loved one.

There are several options that are more clearly designed for older adults that are still fairly independent but want the company of a community.

 

 

What is Senior Apartment Living?

Senior apartment living, a type of independent senior living, provides older adults with an independent lifestyle while offering a moderate level of help for older adults, such as daily assistance with essential necessities and services. Unlike standard apartment complexes, senior apartments are age restricted — usually starting at 55 or 62 years of age. They do not provide medical assistance.  There are no medical personal on staff.

While every senior apartment community differs, offering a wide variety of amenities and services for their tenants, some provide the following, either all-inclusively covered in the monthly rent or provided as an additional fee:

• Custodial services and maintenance
• Laundry facilities
• A meeting room for socializing
• Fitness center
• Swimming pool / spa
• Transportation services

 

Weighing the Costs

According to “A Place for Mom,” costs of long-term care and senior living report, the median cost of home care in 2024 is $30 per hour. The nationwide median cost of assisted living is $4,995 per month. When comparing what you’ll pay, it’s important to consider how many hours of care your loved one needs. At $30 per hour, having 24/7 care at home comes out to $21,900 per month. You’ll also want to consider what other expenses will cost. The price of assisted living usually includes rent, meals, and many other amenities and services. However, the price tag for home care can seem much higher when adding basic living costs — such as mortgage payments or rent, groceries, and transportation — to the cost of care services.

Another option is The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. They can help connect you to a variety of services, including transportation, providing advocacy, social and emotional support, education, financial assistance, referrals to services, connections to resources, and more depending on your individual needs. You can connect with the resource center by calling (877) 881-1623.

 

Embracing Continuing Care Retirement Communities

(CCRCs) provide multiple living options all on one campus. It is most common for residents to move into a CCRC while they are still healthy and independent. Then, if needed, they can move to other levels of care throughout their time there as their needs change.

Senior living communities offer comprehensive care and support, and when you or a loved one is ready, they are a great living option for older adults. There are a variety of alternative options that provide varying levels of assistance. By carefully considering your loved one’s specific needs, family resources, and preferences, you can find the right solution. No matter which path you choose, planning ahead and exploring all available options ensures that your loved one receives the care and support they deserve.

 

 

 

If you or a loved one  is considering moving to a senior living community, consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options all pet-friendly with exceptional experiences so older adults can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 or schedule a visit.