Whatever you may think of Baby Boomers, they have a long history of challenging conventional norms and the status quo (think the antiwar protests of the ’60s, Woodstock and the fight for civil liberties for underrepresented populations). So as boomers began to age and started needed some assistance to continue living well, they demanded more choices and amenities in where they chose to live.
Boomers started turning 65 in 2011 and are growing at a rate of approximately 10,000 a day, on average, a trend that is expected to continue for the next 10-15 years. According to one study published in the American Journal of Public Health, two-thirds of adults age 65 and older need some assistance with some of the daily routines of life – dressing, bathing, getting out of bed, walking, etc. This means there are a lot of Baby Boomers – who have high expectations on how they want to age – needing some kind of outside assistance to continue living well.
Baby Boomer’s high demands have helped changed the course of living options for the better. Here are just some of the options seniors have when choosing where to live.
Staying at home / home care
According the AARP, nearly 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age; 82 percent would choose to do so, even if they begin to need daily assistance with everyday activities or ongoing health care. If you need some assistance in managing daily tasks, in-home care may make it possible for you to remain in your home. AMR provides in-home companions who are able to perform a variety of services, including personal care, transporting and accompanying people to medical appointments, preparing meals and light housekeeping, among others. The companions are highly trained and quickly become a part of the family.
House sharing
For seniors who want to stay in their home, but know they need some assistance, house sharing is an option. This could include inviting a friend or family member to move in and provide help with transportation, maintenance and housekeeping. Or two friends may purchase a new home together. Or the senior may share a family member’s house by moving in with them.
Retirement communities
Many seniors find they want to leave the hassles of home maintenance behind and lead a carefree life among people who share their values and interests. For them, a retirement community or independent living community makes perfect sense. Housekeeping, grounds maintenance, laundry, and even cooking may all be taken care of by a compassionate and caring staff, leaving them time to participate in the numerous activities offered or just pursue their passions at their own pace.
Retirement villages
Retirement villages can either be planned or evolve over time and both are ways seniors can still have a great deal of independence, while having easy access to shopping, restaurants, banking and medical help, if needed. One such planned community, The Villages in Florida, is the fastest-growing city in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People who live in The Villages own their own homes while having easy access to healthcare, recreation and entertainment.
NORCs
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) as also springing up across the country. NORCs were not originally designed to serve the specific needs of seniors, but evolved over time. It could be an apartment building where most of the residents are elderly or a community that attracts older Americans because of its amenities or demographics. Residents create a network of shared support services, either by helping one another or by hiring outside assistance for doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands.
Assisted Living
For those whose care needs are more extensive, but who still don’t need round-the-clock medical care, assisted living may be the answer. Assisted living provides the same amenities an independent community offers, but with greater supervision and support for things such as medication management, dressing, bathing and other activities of daily living. Many assisted living communities have special units for those who have experienced memory loss.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
And finally, if one’s medical needs grow to the point of needing round-the-clock care, and in-home care isn’t a viable option, a Skilled Nursing Facility may be your answer. Unlike the nursing homes of yesteryear, today’s Skilled Nursing Facilities generally have activities, encourage socialization and have a more holistic view of healthcare.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) combine independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services in one community. The idea here is that, as your care needs change, you can remain in the same community, so you don’t have to worry about moving even if you need greater care.
