3 Types Of Retirement Homes: Independent Living, Assisted Living, And Nursing Homes

The idea of a entering a retirement home, such as The Cedars, can be scary and confusing. However, it doesn't have to be. These places are designed to remove much of anxiety that comes with living on your own as an elderly person. It is important to understand what the different types of retirement homes are. It's not a one size fits all approach. Below is a list of the three common types of retirement homes and an overview of what they offer.

Independent Living Communities

These communities are designed for elderly people who are still physically and mentally capable of doing everything for themselves. The community is restricted to people over a certain age. This creates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The homes can be condo style apartments or detached houses. These units will either be rented or sold.

There will usually be a dining hall on the grounds, as well a large meeting hall and other amenities. Manual tasks such as lawn care, street cleaning, roof repair, gutter maintenance, plumbing, etc… is all handled by the organization that runs the community.

The target audience for this type of community are physically active retirees who are tired with maintaining their current home and want to move to a quiet place where they are surrounded by their peers. An individual must pay all expenses for these communities; nothing will be covered by health insurance.

Assisted Living Communities

An assisted living community is designed for people who are unable to do many things for themselves, but who are not at the point where they need to be in a nursing home. The living quarters are apartment style. There are no detached homes. Amenities such as maid service are usually part of the arrangement. There is a dining center where residents can take their meals.

There will be medical personal on site twenty-four hours a day. The community will also provide social activities for the residents.

The target audience for these communities are people who are still capable of walking and going to the bathroom themselves, but who want many day-to-day tasks handled for them. Some places take private insurance, however it is mostly paid for out of the resident's own savings.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are designed for individuals who are no longer capable of taking care of themselves. This can include people who are incontinent, immobile, suffering from dementia, or have other physical or mental problems that rule out any degree of independent living.

These institutions have trained nurses on staff that will help residents shower, move from bed to wheelchair, and bring them food.

Nursing homes take private and public medical insurance.