An estimated 7 out of 10 adults will need assisted living at some point in their lives. Finding housing with adequate care for our elder family members becomes not only a necessity, but it can also become overwhelming.

We all want to be sure our family members are getting the best of the best. Whether you’re searching for live-in care or a senior housing community, let this guide help you pick the best option for your loved one. How do you find the best of senior housing D.C. has to offer? 

Assisted Living Facilities 

Assisted living facilities are designed to do exactly as the name displays: Offer assistance to your loved one! The level of care may differ by the facility and on an as-needed basis. This option is best for older adults who are still quite capable of living on their own. 

An added benefit that families love about assisted living facilities is their amazing amenities. Many facilities offer amenities such as fitness rooms, bistros and cafes, and theatres. Your loved one never needs to worry about being unable to continue an active lifestyle.

You can expect they would have their own apartment or condo layout. They may need some assistance with certain tasks. This could include medication management, bathing, shopping, etc.

If you are unsure if your loved one would benefit from assisted living, here are the top three questions to consider before deciding on assisted living in Washington, D.C.  

Nursing Homes  

Unlike an assisted living facility, a nursing home can be taken under consideration when your loved one needs around-the-clock care. This includes everything from everyday tasks such as feeding themselves and bathing to health management and home care. 

This form of senior living in Washington, D.C., is recommended for adults who are completely unable to care for themselves any longer. Whether this is due to mental health conditions or physical illnesses, an on-site doctor oversees the patient’s care during their stay. Most facilities will have specialized care available to patients for conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

Continuing Care Retirement 

This type of facility incorporates the level of care from both assisted living and nursing homes. Although it tends to be the priciest of options, there are some perks. It’s an excellent choice for older adults who do not want to move again, should they ever need to move on to a nursing home facility.

Continued care will place your loved one within the community at a level of independent living. While at this level of care, they may still receive help with tasks like medication management, shopping, and home care. However, once your loved one transitions into needing more specialized 24-hour care, they will be easily moved within the community to an environment they will be better suited to. 

Residential Home Care 

Residential home care is the perfect option for someone looking for more specialized care but remains living in a more of a home setting. These are often referred to as board and care homes or adult family homes. Your loved one may live amongst a small group of other residents within the home. 

A significant appeal to these homes is often the price. Families generally pay less than an assisted living facility. 

Independent Living Options

Not to be confused with assisted living, these are condos or apartment complexes that are age-restricted for seniors only. Your family member will live on their own, so this is best suited for someone who is still able to care for themselves both physically and mentally. Due to the overall feeling of freedom your loved one will still have, this is a very popular option for those who do qualify. 

An added benefit to this form of living is that these apartments and condos are generally subsidized. The complex takes under consideration the average amount seniors are living on with Social Security and disability payments.

This makes monthly payments rather affordable. To find some of these age-restricted complexes, check out this site for senior housing available in D.C. 

The Village Movement 

The village itself is not a facility your senior would be living at. This refers to a network of non-profits making up the networks. The ‘village’ or rather the concierge is someone within the community that will help the elderly residents when needed. 

Each local area has its village office, a number that elder members of the community can contact when they need help with a specific task. These tasks can include transportation services, household handyman help, etc. Since these members are residing within their own homes, they should have the ability to take care of themselves 100%.

Most elderly adults who are living in a village concept are fairly active. They don’t have any ailments that would prevent them from completing most of their daily tasks on their own. The benefits of this method of living are that your loved one gets to stay in the home that means so much to them, as well as have a great sense of community. 

Aging In Place 

This method of living is very attractive to an elder who does not want to leave their home. Aging in place simply means staying within their home and aging where they are. If a loved one is definitively against moving, this may be a good option. 

If your loved one does need help with certain everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or bathing, you may need to consider an in-home nurse or visiting nurse. By incorporating a nurse or caregiver, you can be assured your loved one is safe and being well taken care of. 

Memory Care Communities 

Memory care communities in D.C. offer a lifestyle very similar to assisted living facilities. So what’s the difference? 

Memory care staff typically have better training in assisting patients with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. In an assisted living community, not every staff member is required to have the training a memory care staff member would have.  Since these illnesses require a greater level of care, patients are better suited in a specialized memory care facility. 

Maple Heights: One Of The Best In Senior Housing D.C. Has To Offer 

While on the hunt for the best senior housing community that would be best for your loved one, taking the time to find somewhere they will be safe, happy, and well taken care of may take some time. As it should!

Ensuring your loved ones will be comfortable with their new living experience is of the most importance. While searching for senior housing in D.C., schedule a visit today with Maple Heights so you and your family member can make a confident decision together.