Senior living communities have so much to offer older adults but when making the decision to stay in the family home or make the move to senior living, it’s a good idea to consider all the senior living pros and cons of each level of care. Since everyone has different needs and preferences, take a moment to review senior living pros and cons before making the decision.
Independent Living
Separating the senior living pros and cons is easiest in Independent Living since the emphasis is on carefree versus care.
The pros:
Healthy active older adults who want total independence without all the responsibilities and costs of living at home choose Independent Living simply because it has so much to offer. Among the many pros are freedom to take off and go with the knowledge that your home is secure and maintained; the onsite convenience of amenities and services like exercise centers, diverse classes, trips, hair salons and barber shops, plus activities for an active and healthy lifestyle; plenty of new friends to share all the fun with; and great housing choices designed with older adults in mind.
The cons:
For those who move to an Independent Living-only community, one of the perceived cons is the lack of onsite medical care, however, communities typically offer on-site physical and occupational therapy with local practitioners. They also have partnerships with concierge doctors and other medical professionals in the community should the need for medical care arise. Another perceived con is the cost, but when comparing the true costs of living at home versus Independent Living, they are often very comparable, without the surprises that come with home repairs and upkeep. For a realistic look at the true costs of both, check out our blog, “Comparing the Cost of Senior Living with Staying at Home.”
Assisted Living
When help is required to remain living at home, older adults and their families will want to know whether it’s best to stay at home or move to Assisted Living. At this point it’s time to weigh the senior living pros and cons in Assisted Living.
The pros:
Assisted Living is like independent living with hands-on help that is tailored to each resident’s needs 24/7. In addition, residents have opportunities to socialize every day, plenty of fun and engaging activities, transportation as needed, healthy activities like exercise classes, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and the peace of mind that comes with living in an all-inclusive, safe and secure community.
The cons:
For many older adults the move itself may be difficult because downsizing and leaving the familiarity of a home can be unsettling at first. Many older adults may also worry that they won’t be able to make friends or that they cannot bring their own furniture and other belongings, both of which are easily remedied in the right community. Some also believe the costs of Assisted Living are out of reach, but the truth is that in-home care can easily meet and exceed that of Assisted Living, without all the amenities that help them stay healthy, independent, and thriving. To best prepare for a move to Assisted Living, our blog, “Helping Parents Make the Transition to Assisted Living,” has some great tips.
Memory care
When older adults are diagnosed with a memory condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the level of care and oversight required at home can become overwhelming. But a move to Memory Care offers not only security but enormous relief for caregivers. In Memory Care, the senior living pros and cons are often dependent on the overall quality of the community.
The pros:
In the best Memory Care communities, the team is certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education and are devoted to respecting and caring for residents while ensuring they remain safe and independent. Residents also have ongoing assessments and enjoy engaging activities and therapies designed to help minimize symptoms. Best of all, they are never alone, and family and friends can spend time with them without the worries of caregiving. Find out what great Memory Care communities offer in our blog, “What Does “Memory Care” Really Mean?”
The cons:
For those with memory loss, the move can be confusing and even frightening, but once it is over, many assimilate quickly into the community. For families who promised they would never “put them in a home” the move can bring on feelings of guilt, at least until they see how much Memory Care has to offer, like excellent nutrition, socialization, and the calming influence of an exceptional team. Considering costs, while memory care can be costly, so too are the costs of 24/7 care at home, not to mention the problem of around-the-clock security. To understand more about the senior living pros and cons in Memory Care versus Assisted Living, the U.S. News & World Report article, “Is It Time for Memory Care?” helps sort it out.
When comparing senior living pros and cons, be sure to tour different communities like Thrive Senior Living to really get a feel for the quality of care and the type of lifestyle each offers. For more about choosing the right senior living community, download our Family Decision Guide. Learn more about Thrive’s communities, housing choices and amenities by contacting us today!