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Resident Care Facilities—Resident care housing consists of small resi- dences where between two and six seniors live together, with a caregiver providing around-the-clock supervision, meal preparation, laundry and housekeeping services, and assistance with daily living activities. This type of care offers a mix between in-home care and assisted living, affording residents the opportunity to live independently, while taking advantage of the benefits of socializing with their peers. Most facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Social Services in the state they are located.
Retirement Communities—Some retired people are independent enough to live on their own, but want to live in an environment with others in the same age group. For these seniors, retirement communi- ties are ideal. Many facilities offer residents a wide range of amenities, including meals served in a dining room, transportation, shopping excursions, social activities, and field trips. Residents enjoy independ- ent living by occupying their own home or apartment, but avoid the chores, isolation, and lack of security that many elders experience by remaining in their own home.
Many retirement communities are similar to other neighborhoods or communities, with an age restriction to only allow people over a certain age, such as 62. Many facilities
offer a variety of housing options to
meet the needs of their residents for the
remainder of their lives. Lawn mainte-
nance and cleaning services are offered
to reduce maintenance chores. Seniors
can purchase a small home when they
first move to the community. Then, as
they choose to further reduce their home
maintenance chores, residents can move into an apartment within the community. If the senior’s health complications prohibit him from living on his own, a nursing facility is available in most retirement communities.
Caring for Elderly Parents 45
Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier.
— Albert Schweitzer