Assisted Living: One Senior Living Option for Baby Boomers

Attention baby boomers: It's not too early to start thinking about your future -- not only when and where to retire, but the type of elder care arrangements to make if the time comes. One of the more popular types of senior housing to consider is assisted living. Even though you can't foresee your physical or emotional state down the road, you can get some ideas together on what to look for in an assisted living facility. Going into this quest armed with knowledge and common sense will help you put a plan in place so you can enjoy your golden years. The key is finding the right place where you can feel well cared for and comfortable.

Understanding Assisted Living 

There are several types of assisted living facilities available throughout the United States. Determining the level of care needed is key to finding the right home. Keep these questions in mind when doing your research. Establish if assistance needed with:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Medication disbursement
• Meal preparation
• Household chores
• Running errands
• Medical or financial decisions

If you can answer yes, a conventional assisted living or similar residential care facility is a choice to consider. Assisted living facilities help elderly residents with various daily living activities. Residents can live in large multi-room facilities or smaller private facilities. They can receive as much or as little help as necessary. Those in assisted living facilities still retain some level of independence while receiving help with activities and tasks. These types of facilities range in size from 20 beds up to more than 200 beds.

An alternative to traditional assisted living is board and care. This refers to a licensed residential care facility (aka assisted living facility) that provides non-medical custodial care to senior citizens who need help with their daily living activities. The difference between this and typical assisted living or residential care facilities is that board and care homes are usually private family residences, usually with six or fewer individuals living there. The number of residents depends on the home's state license.

Special Needs Facilities 

One of the most shocking pieces of news to hear as a senior citizen is learning that you have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. While these degenerative, memory-impairing disorders are debilitating, there's no need to rush off to an Alzheimer's care facility right away. There are some assisted living facilities where patients with memory impairments share facilities or homes with those individuals who don't have it.

Known as Special Care Units (SCUs), these are sections of assisted living facilities where those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or similar disorder reside. There is specialized care and activities throughout the day and night. However, residents share common areas such as dining rooms, courtyards or living rooms. This gives these older adults a sense of still belonging with their peers.

Don't Wait 

Just as you would prepare a living trust, will or even an advance directive, you should consider choosing elder care before you really need it. Assisted living is just one type of senior housing available. It all depends your needs at the time. Doing your homework will not only give you peace of mind, but also lessen the burden your children, spouse or other family members will have if they need to make this decision for you.