It’s typical for new needs to appear as we become older. This might be particularly difficult for senior couples who might need various types of care but still want to live together. Can couples with diverse requirements coexist in senior living facilities, which are built to offer specialized care and assistance to seniors? This guide will look at the possibilities available and the things to consider when choosing a senior care facility for couples with various needs.
Assessing Individual Care Needs
The first step in determining whether couples with different needs can live together in senior living is to assess each person’s individual care needs. Seniors may require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting, while others may have more complex medical needs that require specialized care. Care needs can vary greatly, so it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to evaluate each person’s unique needs.
Choosing the Right Type of Senior Living Facility
Once you have assessed the individual care needs of each person, you can begin to explore the different types of senior living facilities available. Some options to consider include:
• Independent Living: This type of senior living is designed for active seniors who do not require any assistance with ADLs. Couples who both meet this criteria can live together in an independent living facility without any issues.
• Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who require assistance with some ADLs but can still live independently. If one partner needs more assistance than the other, they may still be able to live together in an assisted living facility, but it’s important to ensure that the facility can meet the needs of both partners.
• Memory Care: Memory care facilities are designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. If one partner has a cognitive impairment and requires memory care, they may need to live separately from their partner who does not require memory care.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities: Skilled nursing facilities provide around-the-clock medical care for seniors with complex medical needs. If one partner requires skilled nursing care, they may need to live in a skilled nursing facility while their partner lives in a different type of senior living facility.
Considering the Layout of the Living Space
When couples with different needs live together in a senior living facility, the layout of their living space is an important factor to consider. Some senior living facilities offer apartments with separate living spaces for each partner, while others offer shared living spaces. It’s important to choose a living space that is comfortable for both partners and meets their individual care needs.
The Role of Caregivers and Staff
Caregivers and staff play a crucial role in senior living facilities, especially when couples with different needs live together. It’s important to ensure that the staff is trained to meet the individual care needs of both partners and that there is enough staff available to provide adequate care. Additionally, caregivers should be able to provide emotional support to both partners, as living with different care needs can be stressful and emotionally challenging.
Couples with different needs can live together in a senior living facility with the right planning and consideration. It’s important to assess each person’s individual care needs, choose the right type of senior living facility, consider the layout of the living space, and ensure that the caregivers and staff are trained to provide adequate care and support. By taking these factors into account, senior couples with different needs can continue to live together in comfort and safety.
Peace Village welcomes couples with different needs and offers many care options with independent living apartments, the Circle Inn assisted living, as well as Courtyard memory care. Living at a CCRC (continuing care retirement community), such as Peace Village, means that as your needs change, you’ll have easy access to services that meet them. For more information on senior living in Palos Park, visit Peace Village today. Schedule a tour on the Peace Village website or call us at (708) 361-3683.