As compared to before, people today in America are living longer and since the increase of life expectancy is steady, the remaining population is being left behind as compared to the number of older individuals today. Retirement communities have sprouted with the aging trend to allow for the shifting needs of the aging adult. Around 95% of the aging population is in a retirement home whereas around 78% reside in their own residences. Such communities provide different living arrangements for retirees and seniors created specifically in line with their functional abilities.
Older people do great in their very own environment because the family, house and similar community could have a solid emotional value to them. With growing age and increasing inability, frequent household changes may be required to facilitate mobility and safety. Retirement communities are mainly structured for the purpose of interpersonal relationships and have particular facilities that foster an active adult lifestyle. The elderly can take advantage of special amenities and privileges exclusively available to them such as crafts courses, clubs, spas, golf courses, and swimming pools not to mention exclusive medical facilities. However, in accordance with environmental conditions and the client’s ability to function, not every retirement community possesses these typical services. A few retirement communities have an age limit. In an age-limited community or 55+ community, a household dweller must be at least 55 plus years of age and older.
In the US, retirement communities may be classified into three broad groups.
Permanent healthcare units like nursing homes and assisted living institutions fall under the class of supportive communities. Assisted living facilities are specifically catered to the aging population who need limited assistance in activities. Skilled nursing facilities provide ongoing nursing care for elderly people who live with disability and/or have multiple persistent and debilitating health conditions. Alzheimer’s and memory facilities focus with the seniors with vascular (multi-infarct) dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and delirium. An increasing number of experienced nursing facilities likewise provide sub acute care. This area of facility provides a higher level of nursing assistance which could either prevent the need of a resident to be transferred to a medical center from the retirement home or permit a hospitalized patient to be moved back to the nursing home sooner.
Continuing-care retirement communities (CCRCs) and or active/supportive communities are a combination of residential homes and permanent healthcare facilities. CCRCs supply different living accommodations and care specifically, independent single-dwelling homes or rentals for those who are able to handle all of their daily necessities; assisted living homes for those who require minimal assistance with their daily living needs; and seasoned nursing services when constant nursing aid is essential. Moreover, CCRCs offer continuity of care where by aspects such as health status, source of income and use of support systems change.
Independent living communities also referred to as active communities make available basic homes for the aging adults however, these communities don’t supply permanent health related facilities. Independent living has been viewed as an approach to life for older folks with assisted living considered being the next phase for care continuity. Independent living, in an older individuals’ opinion, presumes that the elderly individual can deal with his activities of day by day living not being checked or helped.
