How to Choose the Right Type of Senior Living for You or Your Loved One

Senior lifestyle and care options vary widely, and the choices can be overwhelming. It’s important to think about what kind of assistance and/or medical care is needed now, and what additional assistance or health care might be needed down the road. At every Five Star Senior Living community, we help you with assess those needs and help you find the best lifestyle and assistance options.

Active Independent Seniors

Some retirement communities are only for seniors who are completely independent and active. These independent senior living communities may offer services and amenities such as dining, activities and housekeeping.

Assistance with Some Daily Tasks

Other retirement or senior living communities offer independent senior apartments, but also have assisted living services, which typically include options of services such as medication reminders, dressing and bathing assistance, etc. Some even offer daily pet care services.

Senior Living with All the Options

Full service retirement communities, sometimes called continuing care retirement communities (or CCRCs) offer independent living, assisted living, and also health care or skilled nursing home care. These communities can be extremely convenient in that you don't have to relocate to another community if your health declines temporarily or permanently, or if you simply start needing some basic assistance with the tasks of daily living.

Specialized Dementia Care

Some senior living communities specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Many Five Star Senior Living communities offer a unique award-winning dementia care program called Bridge to Rediscovery. This program focuses on helping your loved one continue to feel connected to the world around them.

Senior Care During the Day

For those caring for an elderly loved one in their own home, many Five Star Senior Living communities offer day services. This allows the caregiver time during the day, while their loved one enjoys activities, social interaction, and any needed assistance.

Why Not Try a Short-Term Stay?

Another great option for those caring for an elderly relative is short-term or respite stays. Most Five Star Senior Living communities have availability for short-term guests when their caregiver needs to travel for a few days or weeks, or simply needs a short break in routine. Short-term guests enjoy all the services and amenities that full-time residents benefit from. This is also a great way to find out if the community is the right fit for your loved one.

Some retirement communities require a large upfront buy-in fee, however all Five Star Senior Living communities are based on a monthly rental fee which includes an apartment and most services and amenities.

A Variety of Senior Living Options

Five Star offers more than 200 senior living communities nationwide, each with its unique local flavor, ambience, services and amenities, so you can find an option that suits both your needs and your preferences.