Already, one quarter of the Cuyahoga County population is over age 65, according to The Center for Community Solutions.
By the end of the next decade, people over age 65 will outnumber people under age 20. Then, for the rest of the 21st century, there will be a new demographic majority: Older adults. Where will they all live? McGregor has broken ground on a new assisted living project on its campus in Cleveland, and more facilities are sure to come along.
But how do you know which senior living facility is right for you?
Here’s a look at the basic types of senior living arrangements:
Senior housing – This is age-restricted multi-unit housing like apartments or condominiums designed for older adults who can take care of themselves. Housing features full kitchens and typically does not include services like meals or transportation.
Independent living – This is similar to senior housing except it usually involves services designed to foster social engagement of residents, such as planned activities, social programs and meals in a central dining space. Assisted living – This involves professional assistance with Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, such as making meals, doing laundry and taking medication, and can also include support with bathing, getting dressed and using the bathroom.
Nursing care – This provides round-the-clock skilled nursing care for people with chronic diseases or long-term illnesses. Some senior living facilities called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) offer a full continuum of care from senior housing to nursing care so you can age in place and never have to worry about moving off the campus.
McGregor, for example, provides all-inclusive services with care for every stage from in-home support that keeps you living in your own home as long as possible to end-of-life hospice care.
For most people, the time will come for some kind of long-term care. Understanding the available senior living options is a key step in talking about what kind of care you want for yourself or for your loved one.
Educate yourself on what’s out there, what it costs and what options are close to your family, then have a conversation about what kind of place you might like to live – before life circumstances force you to move.