Senior housing choices are not always made due to medical or personal care needs. In many cases senior housing choices are related to lifestyle needs. Especially these days, we are aging better. This means we are living healthier longer. However, living longer can also mean our neighborhoods change, our children are often transplanted to other cities and states for jobs or because their children moved! Lifestyle plays an important role in senior housing of any type. Is it time to find new friends? Has your home become too difficult to manage? Do you need help with daily meals and or medical issues? Whatever the reason you found this article, we are here to help you explore the senior housing choices in Clark County, WA – there is no fee to you for this service.

Senior housing can become a consideration for many reasons. There are several points to consider when senior housing becomes an important subject in your life:

1. Income will play an important role in senior housing choices.

One consideration when assessing senior housing options is your financial situation. The federal government offers programs that provide discounted or subsidized senior housing to those who fall within a certain age group and income level. While funding availability will vary from year to year, there have been many programs in place to encourage investors to build and provide affordable housing to seniors.  In addition to federal resources some state and county programs may be available.

2. What are your daily care needs?

Some people may need substantial care with daily tasks or with medical needs. Assisted senior housing and adult family homes are perfect for seniors that need help with common tasks such as a couple of meals each day, processing laundry or keeping up the house. Assisted living communities typically have 24 hour access to a medical professional and staff that is trained to meet the needs of seniors that require a bit more assistance physically or due to declining cognitive resources. For more extensive medical or memory care needs, a skilled nursing center or memory care facility may be a smarter choice.

3. Consider the future.

A senior who is dealing with chronic and progressive diseases may prefer a living situation that allows them to age while staying within the same community. These senior housing choices are generally known as continuing care retirement facilities. Continuing care retirement facilities have living quarters for those who need very little daily help as well as for those who need some medical care or skilled medical services in the future. Continuing care facilities can be very advantageous for couples. In many cases, one spouse may be more independent. Continuing care facilities make it possible for the couple to stay in the same community when one or the other needs to move to a higher level of care.

4. What level of independence do you want?

Independent living communities are usually privately owned but are regulated by a management company. These seniorhousing properties typically require monthly or annual dues that allow a person to make use of the facilities and other services that are offered. Community and recreational services such as tennis courts, pools, gymnasiums and game rooms may be provided, along with local transportation and some meals.

5. Would a 55+ community meet your needs?

If you are still quite independent but wish to enjoy the benefits of living within a community that is geared for aging, a 55+ community may be a great choice. These senior housing neighborhoods offer a lot more independence but typically boast fewer extraneous services. The homes are usually owned by the individual but are designed to facilitate the physical changes we experience as we age. For example, floor plans are usually one story, and bathrooms are roomy and include safety features.

As you can see, senior housing options vary greatly. Senior housing for an elderly loved one that can no longer care for themselves may be a difficult choice for the family. We are here to help at whatever stage you are at in considering senior housing options in Clark County, WA.