Deciding where to live as you get older is a highly personal choice. Some older adults want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Others are ready to leave behind home maintenance, live closer to their peers or move somewhere that offers additional support.
The good news is that there are many options — and understanding the differences can help you find a living arrangement that fits your needs, preferences and level of independence.
Independent living communities are generally designed for older adults who are healthy and able to care for themselves but would prefer a lifestyle with less home maintenance and more opportunities to connect with others.
Housing can range from studio apartments to one- and two-bedroom apartments. Depending on the community, amenities may include:
For older adults with lower incomes, government-subsidized independent living may also be available. Keep in mind that these communities often have waiting lists, so it can be helpful to explore options before housing becomes an immediate need.
Assisted living may be appropriate for someone who doesn’t require daily medical care but needs help with some activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, personal care, cooking, eating, housekeeping or transportation.
Residents generally have their own apartment while having access to additional support and community amenities. Depending on the community, services may include:
One important distinction for Michigan families: the term “assisted living” does not automatically mean a community is state licensed. A license is required when a community provides certain higher levels of care, such as those offered by Adult Foster Care facilities and Homes for the Aged.
For someone thinking not only about what they need today but what they may need years from now, a continuing care retirement community can provide multiple levels of care in one place.
A person may move into the community while still living independently. If their needs change, they may be able to transition to assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care without leaving the larger community.
This can allow residents to remain near friends and familiar surroundings as their needs evolve.
Some continuing care communities also provide services such as rehabilitation. Communities offering certain higher levels of care are required to be licensed by the state.
Co-housing offers another approach for older adults who value both independence and a strong sense of community.
These “intentional” neighborhoods are designed so residents have their own private homes while sharing certain spaces and activities with their neighbors. A community might include condos or houses along with a common building featuring a kitchen, gathering spaces, fitness studio or media room.
Residents may share meals or participate in regular activities together. Some co-housing communities are specifically designed for adults over 50, while others are multigenerational.
For someone who wants privacy but doesn’t want to feel isolated, co-housing can offer an interesting middle ground.
Some types of senior housing and care in Michigan are regulated and licensed by the state. Understanding these categories can be particularly important when someone needs regular supervision, personal care or medical support.
Adult Foster Care provides a supervised home environment for adults with special needs. Residents may include people with disabilities, mental health conditions or aging-related conditions such as dementia.
Adult foster care homes serve no more than 20 residents and provide around-the-clock assistance with daily activities such as transportation and cooking.
The level of medical care available can vary. Residents may sometimes hire skilled nursing help, while those who develop greater medical needs may eventually need to transition to a setting that provides a higher level of care.
Homes for the Aged provide a supervised living environment and personal care for adults age 55 and older.
In Michigan, these communities are licensed when they serve 21 or more residents.
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide both medical and personal care.
Services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, meals and assistance with everyday activities.
Rehabilitation services — including physical, occupational and speech therapy — may also be available. This can make skilled nursing an option for people who need ongoing care as well as those who need short-term rehabilitation while transitioning home after a hospital stay.
There isn’t one housing option that’s best for everyone. Instead, think about what would make everyday life safer, easier and more enjoyable — both now and in the future.
Consider questions such as:
And don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Learning about your options while you still have plenty of choices can give you and your family more time to compare communities, costs, services and levels of care.
Choosing where to live as you age can feel complicated, especially when you’re trying to understand the differences between housing, personal care and medical care.
You don’t have to sort through those choices alone.
AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services can help older adults and families understand available resources and explore options based on their individual needs.
Call 800-852-7795 or contact AgeWays to learn more about resources that can help you or someone you care for plan for the future.
