As we research senior living options for ourselves or our parents, it can often feel like entering a new, overwhelming world. There are a lot of new terms, lots of research to do, and a whole lot to consider. This can leave us feeling confused, drained, or even scared. To help alleviate some stress here are the three best types of senior living options explained in a simple way: 

1. Aging In Place
   

For seniors who are hesitant to leave their homes or who need very minimal help, aging in place is a great option to consider. Aging in place, or staying home as you get older, is a great option that allows a senior to age in a familiar environment without neglecting the assistance they need. 

Seniors who age in place either live by themselves or with a family member. They receive help from family members or in-home care services that assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). Moreover, seniors may obtain assistance with dressing, eating, or personal hygiene. 

Home modifications can also be made to ensure safety such as placing grab bars in the bathroom, building a wheelchair ramp, or having non-skid floors. Some benefits of aging in place include familiarity of home and maintaining independence. The idea of aging in place is for seniors to stay at home, while ensuring that the home is easy to live in and safe. 

2. Assisted Living

Seniors who can no longer live alone or need more assistance with ADLs often choose assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities or communities offer residential housing and personal care for seniors who can no longer live independently. These facilities offer a wide range of services that are available 24/7 which help older adults with dressing, utilizing the bathroom, grooming, transportation services, and medication management. 

As mentioned above, assisted living facilities offer seniors their own housing. The style of housing depends on the company but options range from apartment styled rooms, high-rise apartments, private rooms, or suites. Due to the community styled living arrangement, residents can spend their time socializing in the common areas or dining areas. 

Another benefit of assisted living is that seniors' quality of life improves due to the assistance. Overall, assisted living is a great option for seniors who need daily help with personal care such as bathing, meal preparation, or medication.  

3. Nursing Homes 
   

Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), is a senior living option that you are probably most familiar with. Typically, seniors with severe conditions that need 24 hour supervised care by licensed nurses are placed into these facilities. Each resident is supervised by a physician and nurses are always on duty to provide personalized care. 

Depending on the facility, some nursing homes offer memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Other benefits include providing residents with three meals a day, assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and laundry services. Nursing homes are a great option for people who require full-time care and long term services on a daily basis. As a result, nursing homes provide a major relief for families who no longer have the ability to provide for their beloved senior. 

What Senior Living Option Is Right For You? 

These are just three of the top senior living options to consider but it’s a great start to your journey. It’s important to remember that everybody has different needs and therefore not every senior living option will be right for you or your loved ones. Assisted living might be a great option for one person, but a terrible choice for another. You should write down all your needs, wants, and weigh your costs before making any decision. 

Another great strategy is to create a pros and cons list of the different senior living options. In the end, it is important that you or the senior has a say and feels comfortable in their new space. There is no better tell that you’ve selected the right place than feeling comfortable in your living space. You will definitely know and feel when you have found the right senior living option.