The type of senior care facility you’ll need largely depends on if the senior care center is a temporary or permanent service, what level of independence is possible for patients, and the amount of care your loved ones need. Below are a few options for those who need more than what senior home care services can provide.

Senior Independent Living Apartments

This is for those who do not have serious health issues. Independent living apartments offer a place for senior citizens over 55 to live comfortably and in style in a complex or community of other senior citizens. Some have services like food preparation, transportation and housekeeping. It’s a good option for those who are still healthy enough to get around and be independent but want the convenience that comes with senior independent living centers. More senior independent living centers have developed addition senior care services like nursing and assisted living as they age.

Senior Living Apartments

The difference between this and the former paragraph is the word “independent.” Senior Living Apartments have more safety features and amenities for those people who can’t act independently anymore. For those considering home health care services, this might be a better option if staying at home is not a complete necessity. Senior care services in senior living apartments include: assisted living and nursing care, pools and spas, dinning services, clubhouse, social activities, laundry, grab bars in bathroom areas, pull cords, security and more.

Assisted Living Facilities

If your loved one needs help with day-to-day activities, this might be an option for you, especially if you’re considering non-medical senior in home care. Assisted living care provides long-term care for seniors that do not require the medical senior services that are provided in a nursing facility. Assisted living facilities provide meals, structured activities, living space, companionship, personal care, medication reminders, and assistance that’s associated with daily living. Assisted Living Facilities are designed to give seniors a safe and secure environment while allowing them to maintain the maximum level of independence.

The costs of assisted living facilities are usually covered by long term health insurance plans and Medicaid. It’s not covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.

Nursing Home and Skilled Nursing Facility Care

If you need skilled nursing services around the clock, this may be a good alternative to home health care and in home senior care services. A nursing home, or skilled nursing facility, is a place where someone with an illness, injury, disease or condition can go for care. Skilled nursing facilities are usually the last choice for long-term senior care services, but, they are less expensive than hospitals. The services provided by a nursing home include: physical and speech therapy, skilled nursing and assistance with daily living. It’s usually covered by Medicare for the first 100 days if the person comes directly from the hospital. Medicaid coverage will vary by state and long-term insurance policies will likely cover some portion of it.

If you are a senior you may be resigned to the fact that the busiest years of your life are over, but you can still do many things to ensure active senior living. Just because you’re over 65, doesn’t mean that life has to be boring or dull. There are so many ways to contribute to society, or just have fun. Active senior living means you make the choice on what you want, and then go get it. There are many options to keep you busy. You can dig up a few hobbies from the past that you used to do. Go back and get your dancing shoes on, or if you never danced, learn how to. A fun part of active senior living can include dancing. Sewing is another mentally stimulating challenge, and you could make a few outfits to head out on the town, and look great. Many community centers recognize that active senior living is important and they offer sewing classes to both men and women who are retired.

The point is to stay physically invigorated and mentally active. However, that doesn’t mean that you take on more that you don’t need, or your doctor advises you not to. Active senior living doesn’t mean becoming exhausted, and it should be a relaxing time of your life. If you feel that it’s too much, cut back on some activities, and take a few moments for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with sitting on a garden patio, or curled up by a warm fireplace with a good book in hand. You’ll still be getting needed mental stimulation, but a way to relax your body at the same time. Active senior living is a choice now that you’re older.