Senior Living: A Look at Your Options (Guest Post)

Sometimes seniors and caregivers have to ask the ultimate question: "What form of long-term care is best for our situation?" 

Although aging in place or keeping the elderly at home with a caregiver are considered the most appealing choices for most people, neither option may be possible.

When the time comes to make the decision, you will want to know all of your options. Today's guest post covers just that topic. Below, our guest author will introduce you to the 5 types of aging care, and an overview of what each one can do for you.

Senior Living: A Look at Your Options

Finding the right senior living situation can be a challenge, both for you and your family. There are a variety of housing options available to seniors, and choosing the right one can seem very
overwhelming.


Before you settle, educate yourself on the options available to you, then base your decision on your
needs and wants.

Aging In Place:  

This option is for seniors who wish to remain living in their own home as they age. With the support of family, neighbors, and the community, many elderly people are able to live peacefully and comfortably in their own home.


This may require weekly visits from a doctor or nursing staff, or even modifications to the home, such as the installation of a chair lift or a bathroom remodel to make daily tasks simpler.

The aging in place option is ideal for seniors who are:

• In decent health.

• Have friends and family accessible in case of emergency.

• Live in a safe neighborhood.

• Are capable of handling daily household chores, such as cooking and cleaning.

Independent Living:

This is a housing arrangement that is designed to be exclusive to senior citizens. This type of living is more commonly known as a retirement home or community.


Senior citizens may reside in an apartment complex, condo, or single home, that is typically smaller in size and simpler to navigate. Most independent living facilities coordinate activities and feature recreational centers and other services that make living on your own a breeze.

Independent living is right for a senior citizen who:

• Requires minor assistance with daily tasks.

• Doesn't want to worry about home maintenance.

• Wants to socialize with people their age in a community full of opportunity.

Living With Family:  

A senior citizen who requires minor daily assistance or regular medical attention may move in with a family member or friend that is capable of caring for them. For many seniors, this is an excellent and money-saving option that allows them to feel the comforts of home while receiving the care that they need.


A senior citizen may consider living with a family member if: 

• The home is conducive to their daily needs and easily navigable.

• Their family member has the time and resources necessary to provide the proper amount of care and attention. 

• They do not require serious medical care. 

Assisted Living: 

Also known as residential care or an adult care home, assisted living is perfect for seniors who require some help with day-to-day activities. A 24-hour staff is available to seniors if needed.


These living spaces are typically small apartment-style set-ups where seniors can comfortably navigate. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are usually smaller in size, and easier to navigate and maintain for the elderly. Most facilities such as these offer group dining and activities that seniors can participate in when they choose.


Assisted living is right for seniors who:

• Need more personal care than a family member or independent living facility can provide, or do not have family or friends that can provide assistance. 

• Don't require round-the-clock care, but do require occasional assistance.

Nursing Home:  

Aside from hospital care, nursing homes are living facilities that provide seniors with the highest level of care and attention. Nursing homes are very similar to assisted living, with the addition of providing medical care and attention.

At a nursing home, a licensed practitioner is always on the premise to provide urgent care.

Senior citizens should consider moving into a nursing home if:

• The medical attention you require is out of the scope of family or assisted living facilities to handle (because of recent injury or chronic illness).

Assess Your Aging Care Needs

In order to assess your individual situation and find the senior living option that is right for you, consider the following:

• What kind of care and how much of it do you require? If you are ill or have a serious medical condition, a nursing home with a full-time staff would be ideal for your situation.

• Does the option that you choose allow you the freedom that you desire? Find a place that fits in with your current lifestyle. For instance, if you have a passion for tennis, be sure that your new living option is equipped with a court! 

• Are you financially stable enough to afford the type of facility? Look into your insurance policy to see what they will cover, then evaluate how much you have or would like to spend on your new living set up. 

• Have you discussed your decision with friends and family? Talking with others can help you recognize the pros and cons of a situation from an outsiders perspective.

• Is your new home in an easily accessible location? If you are choosing a care facility, your family will surely want to visit. Ensure that you are close enough for them to stop by. 

About Our Guest Author:  Ruth Folger Weiss is a blogger for River Ridge Living Center, a long-term care facility and subacute rehabilitation center in Amsterdam, NY.