"No wonder why people get confused with all the choices in housing and service options available to seniors today," states Bonnie Reynolds, Director of Marketing for Trail Ridge Retirement Community. | | As people age, their needs change. They may live in a home that's too big for just one or two people, and it is becoming difficult to manage. Some may develop health problems that make it hard to drive safely or get up the stairs easily. Or there may be social changes: changing neighborhood, isolation from family and friends or loss of peers. At this point, seniors may be pondering the big question: “Do I move, and if so, WHERE?”
Not moving, or successfully aging in place, takes a lot of planning. If you wish to stay in your own home, but need assistance with certain tasks, there are several services available to you in the Sioux Falls area. (See “in-home services”)
But if moving is the best solution, then they will quickly discover there are many housing options available to seniors in today's marketplace. Housing options range from apartments and town homes to campus style communities with full-service nursing homes. Sometimes, moving into a senior housing community or apartment offers seniors the chance to “right-size” their lifestyle without giving up proximity to family, friends, and the familiar community.
Because senior housing is a dynamic and growing industry, the distinctions between independent housing and housing-with-services are changing over time.
Here are some relocation options available in the Sioux Falls Area:
Age Restricted Apartments: A "senior only" apartment complex can be like any other neighborhood or community except restricted to people usually 55 or over, or 62 and over. Some may offer income based rental fees. The move frees seniors from home maintenance, yard work, and snow removal. They are also in the company of neighbors that are in their own age group.
Independent Living: Often referred to as “Retirement Communities”, offers independent living in private, separate apartments. Residents have the option of joining in community activities - education and wellness programs as well as outings and entertainment. They can choose from a wide range of services and amenities such as meals, housekeeping, and transportation. These apartments are available as either a monthly lease or with a refundable entry fee and a much smaller monthly service fee.
Assisted Living: Offers help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing and medication management as well as 24 hour staffing, meals, activities and transportation. In most states, licensing is required.
Nursing Homes: Often referred to as “Long Term Care” facilities. Specialize in short term or acute nursing care, intermediate or long term skilled nursing care. This is an option for people needing ongoing nursing care and/or 24 hour supervision.
Memory Care Communities : Designed for people with progressive memory loss due to a variety of dementia illnesses. This community specializes in providing direct supervision of residents with increased confusion who require a higher level of care.
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