Senior Housing Options
Many lesbian and gay seniors choose to remain in their homes for as long as they possibly can. But when preferences or health needs dictate, many must consider the same housing options open to all seniors: retirement communities, assisted living centers and nursing homes.
Retirement Communities
There are two types of retirement communities: independent communities and continuing care ones.
Independent Communities
These are for adults who are still active, healthy and able to live independently but who no longer want to maintain their own homes. Within such communities, they can choose from apartments, condominiums, mobile home sites and single-family homes. Some of these communities provide a wide array of social activities, meals and housekeeping while others provide only minimal services, such as security and building maintenance. Few, however, offer any health services.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
These are for adults who are still independent but desire access to a range of health care services. That is, they allow residents to stay where they are even if they develop health problems that require ongoing care. For example, many of these communities offer services including independent living, assisted living and nursing care. If you are seriously considering such a community, know that experts recommend consulting an attorney beforehand. Because of the broad range of services these communities offer, their contracts may involve many hidden costs.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities (also known as personal care, residential care and domiciliary care facilities) are for adults who require assistance with daily living activities such as dressing or bathing, but who do not need the daily care and monitoring of a nursing home. The goal is to provide the combination of housing, personal and health care services that will help people live as independently as possible.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care for seniors who need assistance with most or all their daily living facilities but do not require hospitalization. Basic daily fees typically include room fees, housekeeping, meals and general nursing. People who need other services, such as physical therapy or incontinence care, are charged added fees.