Assisted living, also known as retirement homes, are assisted housing facilities for seniors or people with disabilities who are unable to perform daily activities independently. With numerous options on assisted living, one may get confused on picking the right option. Take a look at these assisted living options and get an overview on the same.

Independent living communities
The independent assisted living communities cater to senior citizens who are on their own with a few medical issues. There are numerous apartment sizes available under this option, ranging from a studio to two-bedroom apartments. You also have an option of customizing meal packages and residents often opt to pay for specified meals on a daily basis.

For entertainment purposes, there are regular events and social outings organized for seniors. Independent living communities are also known as retirement communities, senior apartments, continuing care retirement community, and 55+ communities. The cost of this assisted living option ranges between $1,500 to $3,500 per month.

Nursing homes
Nursing homes offer skilled and professional nursing care for the elderly. These are for seniors who need round-the-clock medical assistance and care. You can find numerous nursing homes that offer rehabilitative stays to those recuperating from a surgery or an illness.

Residents looking for long-term care have complex medical problems and need skilled and routine nursing facilities. Nursing homes generally have a central dining area wherein residents have their meals. Moreover, residents share a room and there are many activities available too. There are special care rooms for Alzheimer’s patients.

Nursing homes are also known as convalescent care, nursing center, skilled nursing, and long-term care facility. You can pay for nursing homes through a private pay, Medicare or Medicaid. The price range varies between $4,000 to $8000.

Assisted living
Assisted living communities are for the elderly who are unable to live on their own but are not in search for a high level of medical care and assistance. There are private apartments for residents who have access to a limited kitchen area. You can find assistance staff throughout the day for additional safety.

Most of these assisted living communities have licensed nursing facilities. The hours of these nursing services vary, so ensure asking about the visiting hours beforehand.

A special division is available for Alzheimer’s patients. However, this facility is not prominent in all communities.

The price range of the nursing home rooms depends on the apartment size as well as the care and assistance required. Mostly, these rooms are priced between $2,500 to $4,000 per month. The Alzheimer’s care apartment ranges between $2,800 to $4,500 for a shared room. Payments to assisted living can either be paid privately or some choose to make payments through Medicaid.

Home care
Home care services are for seniors who live in their own homes but are unable to carry out daily activities independently. Typically, home care offers assistance with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, and dressing. These services also include instrumental activities such as paying bills, transportation, and providing emotional support. The hours of services under home care may range from once a week to 24 hours a day and these are priced anywhere between $20 to $40 per hours.