Intro
Senior communities often get a bad rap, and are viewed by some as places to avoid. Just think of The Golden Girls, where the running joke is about sending Sophia back to Shady Pines.
In reality, however, many seniors enjoy these communities. They can offer a cozy, home-like setting with plenty of social activities and support.
Care decisions are a big part of long-term care. Our LTC approach will help you Learn about options, Talk with family, and Create a plan.
We’ve got lots of posts in our Care topic. If you'd like a guided tour, just hit the 'next post' button at the bottom of this (and every) post.
Post jargon
ADLs (activities of daily living): basic tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence
CCRC: continuing care retirement community; housing with many LTC services
LTC: long-term care
senior community: housing providing long-term care for older adults, often with shared activities
➡️ Explore all the LTC jargon
Options
Most senior communities provide private (or semi-private) apartments or homes, with shared dining areas and organized activities. The key difference between them is their level of care.
In upcoming posts, we’ll dive into the details of these options. You’ll get a breakdown of the pros and cons, costs, and tips for choosing the best fit for yourself or your loved ones.
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
Jesse Vickey
If you're a visual learner, watch this 3-minute video briefly describing long-term care options.
The journey
Long-term care is a personal experience, and everyone’s path takes its own course. 79% of seniors say they want long-term care in their homes — and that’s often where the journey begins.
But things change over time, and many eventually move to senior communities as their care needs increase.
You might want to stay home forever, but don’t overlook other care options. The goal is to find what works best for you as things change.
The costs
Paid long-term care is expensive, and government help is minimal. We’ll break down the costs and help you explore options to plan ahead. 👍🏼
Most care lasts around 3 years, but with Alzheimer’s, it can stretch to 8-10 years or even longer. Knowing this helps you plan for the unexpected.
Other care considerations
As you explore care options, keep an eye on these key considerations:
- Family caregivers – Home care by family can come with hidden emotional and financial costs, but with the right plan, you can help make long-term care easier for everyone.
- Care vs. profit – While some senior communities don’t meet expectations, many offer excellent care. We’ll help you find the places that prioritize residents.
Wrap up
Most people will need long-term care at some point, and understanding your options now puts you in the driver’s seat when the time comes.
Whether you're planning for home care or a CCRC, knowing the costs and options available can make all the difference. And don’t forget, while family home care can seem like an easy choice, it can also come with hidden challenges.
Check out our next post below, or explore all of our care posts.
