Did you know that there are over one million seniors living in communities and housing made for elder care? These facilities used to be referred to as nursing homes, and there wasn’t a whole lot of difference between them. Today, however, as 77 million baby boomers prepare to retire, there are more options than there ever were before.

For seniors who are thinking of moving into one of these facilities, the options can be overwhelming. Families often play a role in the decision making process, too, when discussing local care for seniors in their towns and cities. There are several things for everyone — including seniors — to consider when choosing a community. Here are a few things that all seniors and their family members should think about when looking into elder care.

Consider Lifestyle: There are two different types of communities for seniors. While they may overlap in some areas, they tend to be divided into two very distinct categories.

Senior Independent Living Communities
For seniors with fewer overall health problems but who don’t want to age in place in their homes, there are many independent living communities that let seniors come and go as they please. These homes are usually designed as 55-and-over communities and may be in apartments, townhouses, or even full-sized homes. They usually include amenities that help make life easier for seniors, such as walk-in showers or one-floor layouts.

Senior Assisted Living Homes
Assisted living for seniors is a lot more like a typical nursing home, but they aren’t all created equally. Some of these homes can feature spa-like amenities and are made to make seniors and visiting family members feel like they’re at home. Above all, though, these homes give residents round-the-clock access to medical professionals and other essential services. They may also feature additional elder care options like memory care for seniors, complete with separate facilities for residents who need extra help.

Consider Budget: Medicaid covers all of the costs of living for just 19% of seniors today. Senior living can become expensive depending on what a person is looking for.

For-Profit Homes for Seniors
For-profit homes are run by private companies. While some are fit for seniors on a budget, many of them may have higher price tags. However, for their cost, they also offer additional amenities, like activities and day trips.

Non-Profit Homes for Seniors
Non-profit senior communities are typically run by churches or other organizations; these homes may or may not be religious in nature. Non-profit homes may be a more low-cost option for some seniors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t have access to some of the things that seniors in for-profit homes have.

Ultimately, the choice is up to your loved one to decide where he or she will move to. Be sure to visit any facilities you consider, and ask questions when meeting the staff. You can also talk to residents to see what they like — or don’t like — about living in a particular facility.

Have more questions about choosing an excellent senior home for yourself or a loved one? Leave a comment below. Continue: seniorlivinghomeguide.org