Assisted Living: Not What Grandma Thought It Would Be

Assisted Living: Not What Grandma Thought It Would Be

By Katie Levinson, CEO, Compassionate Care Connection, LLC

Yesterday’s Thought

Hospital curtains, institutionalized setting, people lining the walls in wheelchairs and bland, cafeteria food? Not anymore.

Assisted living communities have come a long way. They are no longer an extension of the nursing home. They are an opportunity for seniors to live life to the fullest – putting more life in their years.

Senior living communities are reinventing themselves to meet the needs of today’s elder population with retirement communities that emphasize living life to their fullest. Lifelong learning programs, activities and socialization the stimulates the development of social relationships and support that enable retirees to age at home are only a few of the things that can be provided in these stimulating communities. Gourmet meals served restaurant style, spas, gyms and social outings are on the desired list as well.

Today’s Senior Communities

Senior living communities are a diverse as today’s seniors are.

A number of communities cater to a select subset of residents, much like boutique hotels, are as diverse and our growing senior population. For those who are more accustomed to the finer things in life there are communities that provide the personal, concierge approach that you fill find in the finer hotels – limousine service to and from physician appointments, shipping trips, nights at the theater, fine dining, spa services and luxury apartments. This along with the personal care needed from an assisted living setting.

For those still desiring to be active at a more modest price, communities are available who offer beautiful, clean apartments, delicious meals, full service staff and amenities (activities, outings, social gatherings, spa services and more) at an affordable rate.

Some of our seniors need a community that can provide a safe, caring environment at a low price. Those are available but sometimes hard to find. These communities are usually smaller and in a more homelike setting where someone is always available to care for them. They are held to the standard of care expectation by AHCA as the larger communities. Activities, socialization and delicious meals are provided, along with cleaning and laundry service.

Boomers are Reinventing Assisted Living

Senior housing options are no longer one-size-fits-all.

Retirees who require help with daily activities can choose from a variety of settings that reflect their lifestyle choices and meet their physical and financial needs. It’s likely the menu of options will continue to grow. Seniors are living longer and looking for different housing options.

Baby boomers have exploded the portfolio of products at every stage of their lives. As more boomers reach retirement age, senior housing options will prove no different and will to continue to grow and change.