7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open Every Day
3216 N Hutchinson Rd
Millwood, WA 99212
(509) 703-8187
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open Every Day
3216 N Hutchinson Rd
Millwood, WA 99212
(509) 703-8187
Many people want the same things as they get older–to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed. Staying in your own home as you get older is referred to as “aging in place.”
Down-sizing or Right-sizing
Downsizing is the process of moving from a larger home to a smaller one, often one that costs less and has less upkeep. This might mean moving to a smaller single-family home, to a condo or townhome, or to a manufactured home community. For others, it might involve moving into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a family member or friend’s property. Regardless of where you move to, downsizing involves scaling back your possessions including furniture or your car. This step in the process is often the most difficult, especially if you’ve lived in your current home for a long time. As such, many downsizers turn to professional help to get ready for the move. Aside from downsizing, some homeowners opt for the process of “rightsizing,” or moving to a home that isn’t necessarily smaller or less expensive, but one that’ll best fit their needs in the near future.
Active Adult Communities are places where people over 55 can live in well-maintained, comfortable properties such as apartments or condos while enjoying the company and proximity of other older adults. These communities feature a variety of luxurious amenities such as pools, community centers, lounges, fitness centers, and more so residents can pursue their hobbies and lifestyle without having to navigate the stress of home ownership, isolation, and safety.
Active adult communities balance freedom, simplicity, and opportunity for social connection to create a great option for self-sufficient seniors. They put less emphasis on persistent medical support, focusing instead on independent living and community engagement. This makes active adult communities an excellent next step for seniors who are self-sufficient in their daily lives, but may feel isolated or overwhelmed as homeowners.
But what exactly makes active adult communities distinct from other forms of senior living? And why are they becoming so popular with older adults?
Independent Living. Residents are free to come and go as they please, interacting with their community however they see fit. They maintain their homes themselves, but don’t have to worry about taking care of an entire building like they might as homeowners. Active adult communities often feature small, simple living spaces that are easy to maintain. Many residents welcome the opportunity to downsize their lives and avoid the complications caused by having more space to care for.
Recreation and Activities. Active adult communities are communities first and foremost, meaning that residents have plenty of opportunities to make social connections. The community becomes their new neighborhood, with classes, speakers, events, parties, and other gatherings arranged by both staff and residents. Residents can make new friends, take up new hobbies, and maintain an active lifestyle within their senior living community.
Less Healthcare Support. Often, active adult communities are not equipped for residents requiring daily medical assistance. They’re designed and staffed for seniors who can care for themselves and move without significant support. It doesn’t mean convenient medical care isn’t accessible. It means residents don’t have someone providing dedicated, ongoing assistance.
Freedom and Empowerment. Independent living means residents can continue living rich, unique lives. With convenient access to activities and other events, many residents report feeling much more engaged and active than they did living on their own. Some take up new hobbies or dive into interests they’ve maintained through the years, but never got to fully explore. With many of the stressors of everyday life taken care of, residents are better equipped to enjoy themselves, friends, and free time.
Downsized, Simplified Living. With smaller living spaces and common spaces maintained by the community and staff, residents trim a lot of extra tasks and demands from their daily routine. Imagine the free time you’d suddenly have if you didn’t have to worry about lawn or home maintenance. This newfound time offers even greater freedom, enhancing the well-being of residents.
Access to Higher Levels of Medical Care. Some active adult communities are part of broader senior living facilities. Should residents require more intensive medical support, they don’t have to move to another facility. This makes the transition into advanced care less difficult. Residents can enjoy their lives with complete peace of mind, secure in the knowledge they’ll have access to all the support they might need later in life.
Community. Feelings of isolation are common among older adults, particularly those who live alone. It can be difficult to form meaningful social connections at all stages of life, but especially for seniors without friends or family living nearby. Active adult communities live up to their name, offering an abundance of social opportunities for residents. These connections can be invaluable, enriching the lives of residents and even making them healthier. Feeling a sense of belonging and friendship can make a profound impact at any age.
Independent living communities offer a variety of services and amenities designed to support older adults as they enjoy an active lifestyle and continue to thrive. Services usually include landscaping and maintenance, housekeeping, security, meals, educational and entertainment programming, transportation, and access to personal care and health care services depending on you or your loved one’s needs.
Housing in independent living communities may include cottages, apartments, and studios that residents rent, purchase, or lease with the addition of a one-time entrance fee or community fee. Fully trained staff members are on hand to oversee the many services provided in independent living.
The clearest difference between Active Adult Communities and Independent Living Communities is that Active Adult Communities typically do not include health care, meal plans, and housekeeping.
Home-based care can include health, personal, and other support services to help you stay at home and live as independently as possible. In-home services may be short-term, for example, for someone who is recovering from an operation. In-home services could also be more long-term, for people who need ongoing help. In many cases, home-based support is provided at home by informal caregivers such as family members, friends, and neighbors. It can also be supplemented by formal skilled caregivers and community services providers.
Board and care homes are private and in residential settings. A board and care home is often a converted or adapted single family home. This type of home provides the following services: a basic room, which may be shared with another person; meals; help with instrumental activities of daily living; the arrangements for or provision of transportation to medical and other appointments; reminders to take medications; and daily contact with staff. Services such as meals, supervision and transportation are usually handled by the home’s owner or manager.
An adult foster care home provides room, board and in-home support services in a family setting. Generally, an adult foster care home provides more in-home support services than a board and care home. These homes may meet the needs of adults who require periodic or regular assistance with activities of daily living. Some adult foster care homes may offer more complex care if the staff has experience and is trained to provide it. In some cases, visiting nurses provide the necessary assistance.
Adult care communities provide room, board and in-home support services to six or more adults who are not related to the operator. Services for residents may be similar to a board and care home or an adult foster care home. Adult care communities generally have more residents. They are therefore less likely to resemble family life. Adult care communities may also be called congregate housing. These communities are available for older adults who are no longer able or willing to live completely independently. Generally, residents live in a private apartment and are capable of getting to the communal dining area independently. They usually receive help with grocery shopping, meal preparation and housework.
A residential care community is a group residence that provides each resident with, at a minimum, assistance with bathing, dressing, and help with medications on a 24 hour-a-day basis. The community may also provide medical services under certain circumstances.
This term is probably the most confusing. In some states, the term “assisted living” or “assisted living community” includes all types of group settings that provide some level of in-home support services. In other states, assisted living communities are specifically licensed and regulated by state law. In these states, assisted living communities must provide the services and features the state requires. Assisted living communities are a housing option for those who need a wide range of in-home support services to help them with activities of daily living. However, residents in these communities do not require the level of continuous nursing care that a nursing home offers. People who live in newer assisted living communities usually have their own private apartment. Private apartments generally are self-contained, with their own bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen and living area. Alternatively, individual living spaces, consisting of a private or semi-private sleeping area and a shared bathroom, may resemble a dormitory or hotel. There are usually common areas for socializing with other residents.
A continuing care retirement community provides a comprehensive, lifetime range of services, to include housing, residential services and nursing care. A person moving into a CCRC is required to sign a contract with the provider which contains information on the services that are available and the costs of those services. All housing is usually part of one campus setting. In these housing communities, residents live in the type of housing appropriate for their needs and desires. They can move from one level of care to another, while remaining in the CCRC. For example, a resident could start out living independently in a private individual home or apartment. If daily care becomes necessary, the resident could then move into an assisted living community. The CCRC’s nursing home cares for those who require higher levels of care. CCRC contracts usually require that residents use the CCRC nursing home if the resident needs nursing care. CCRCs generally require a large payment, called an entry fee, before new residents move in. CCRCs also charge a monthly fee.
Also known as a long-term care facility, is typically the last option for people who can no longer be cared for at home or in a community-based facility, and who need 24hour nursing supervision. The complexities of choosing a nursing home and obtaining quality care while in the home are too great to cover here.
Nursing homes are a solution for loved ones who will no longer be able to live on their own. However, if your loved one can recover and return home, a rehab facility will work with your loved one to help them achieve that goal.
Secured memory care units within a senior living facility are designed to offer a safe, structured environment for individuals with dementia. The spaces offer dementia-affected persons a sense of independence and help them lead engaging lives with the security of 24-hour care.
Hospice care provides end-of-life care for a terminal individual. The approach to hospice care is holistic meaning that it involves a team of professionals to provide this type of service. Physicians, nurse practitioners, home health providers, social workers, ministers, and family members are all typical to a hospice team. The goal of hospice care is not to treat a patient who has been diagnosed with a serious illness or chronic condition. It is to provide compassionate care that meets a variety of needs when a person has less than six months to live. With the team’s coordination, hospice offers spiritual and emotional support, in addition to pain management and medical treatment. Ultimately, hospice is intended to give individuals the right to die with dignity and without pain. Therefore, when a senior elects to receive hospice services they forgo the right to receive further treatment or cures for their condition.
Hospice care is often confused with palliative care, but these are not the same types of senior care. That is because both types of care involve a team of individuals working together to support an individual with serious illnesses. However, palliative care begins when a patient starts receiving treatment for a condition, such as cancer or kidney failure. With palliative care, the goal is to provide comfort with a holistic approach while the patient continues with treatment.
