Searching for quality care for your aging parents?
One massive shift happening in the senior care industry.
Modern healthcare has revolutionized what senior living communities have to offer. As families look for the best places to care for their aging parents…
This comes at a perfect time.
Say goodbye to outdated nursing homes. Thanks to modern healthcare…
Today’s senior living communities provide flexible plans, innovative technology, and comforting homes for your loved ones to live.
Let’s dive into why this matters…
What You’ll Learn
- The Senior Care Industry Is Changing
- Why Assisted Living Communities Are Thriving
- Modern Healthcare Is Improving Senior Living Communities
- Finding the Best Senior Living Community
The Senior Care Industry Is Changing
America is aging.
Seriously.
By 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans is projected to be age 65 or older. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that every baby boomer will be over 65 by that year.
That’s crazy.
The demand for senior care has never been higher.
Parents and grandparents who were once able to age in place at home now need additional care. Families want to keep their loved ones safe. But they also want them living their best life.
That’s where senior housing and care communities come in.
Right now, there are over 30,000 assisted living communities spread across the United States. Combine that with over 800,000 residents who need help with daily activities. But still want to maintain a sense of independence.
But…
This still isn’t enough to cover the massive demand.
Assisted living experts say we’ll need over 800,000 more senior housing units by 2030 just to keep pace.
Why Assisted Living Communities Are Thriving
So what’s caused assisted living communities to flourish like this?
It’s simple.
Assisted living has become the perfect happy medium.
Not every senior needs 24/7 medical care like you’d find in a nursing home. But they may require help with activities of daily living. Think: bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meal preparation, etc.
Assisted living facilities allow seniors to receive help with those tasks. Without sacrificing their independence.
But that’s not even what sets assisted living apart.
Modern assisted living communities offer:
- Private apartments or condo style living.
- Daily social activities to keep you connected.
- Restaurant style dining hall with nutritionist chefs.
- Scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments.
- On-call staff members available 24/7.
Does that sound nice or what?
Assisted living communities are booming. According to industry data, the market is currently valued at over $91 billion. Expect to see a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 5.5% through the year 2030.
When you really think about what today’s families want… it all makes sense.
They want their elderly loved ones to be safe. They want them to be social. They want to know help is available if there’s an emergency.
Modern Healthcare Is Improving Senior Living Communities
Now here’s the fun part…
Healthcare technology is transforming how senior care communities operate.
Senior living has never looked like it does today. And we can thank modern healthcare for many recent innovations.
Here are just a few ways modern technology is changing senior living:
Telehealth Capabilities
Many senior living communities are now equipped to provide telehealth services. Residents can connect with their doctor or a specialist without having to leave the community.
Smart Technology for Caregivers
Monitoring technology allows caregivers to easily track health metrics for their residents.
From falls detection devices to medication reminders. Families can also receive automatic updates without having to call!
Memory Care
Approximately 44% of assisted living residents have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. That’s why memory care has become such a huge focus.
Memory care programs typically include:
- Safe environments that discourage wandering.
- Activities that help with memory stimulation.
- Trained staff who focus on caring for those with dementia.
- Education and support for family members.
Life Enrichment & Wellness
Residents can now take advantage of wellness incentives that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, mental wellness, and social interaction.
Needless to say… All these innovations have had a huge, positive impact on senior care.
Finding the Best Senior Living Community
Thinking about making a move to a senior living community? Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one..
Here are some things to look for in a quality community:
Know What You’re Looking For
What does your loved one actually need? Think about what they are looking for in a home. Do they need specialized memory care? Medical care? Basic help with chores and daily activities?
Visit the Community in Person
Don’t just trust the websites. Visit the community you’re interested in staying at. Talk to potential roommates. Take a look around the facility. See how staff members interact with residents.
Check Staff Credentials
The staff members are what make a community great. Ask about:
- The staff to resident ratio
- How much training staff members receive
- Employee turnover
- Background checks and hiring requirements
Cost
Accommodations will range in price depending on the level of care and where you live. On average, assisted living throughout the U.S. costs roughly $5,000/month.
But that can range upwards of $7-$10k+ in other communities.
Be sure you know the payment options!
Some communities offer financing options, long-term care insurance, and veteran benefits.
Licensing
Assisted living facilities are regulated by the state they are located in. Be sure any community you’re looking at is licensed properly. And check their previous inspection reports if you can.
Word of Mouth
You can learn a lot from online reviews. Hearing about the quality of communities from loved ones is even better!
Location
Believe it or not, location is important when looking for a new place to live. Would your loved one prefer to stay close to family? Perhaps somewhere warmer? Think about travel distances to hospitals and other family members.
Culture
Want to stay active and engaged? Or would your loved one prefer a quiet life? Every community has it’s own personality. Choose wisely.
Pulling It All Together
Senior living is not what it used to be.
Medical advancements have allowed seniors to thrive in communities that are safe, comfortable, and connected like never before
If you’re a family looking into senior living options for your loved ones…
You have plenty of options.
Senior housing will only continue to grow as more baby boomers turn 65 each year.
But that also means the earlier you start looking, the better your chances are of finding the perfect community.
Take your time, do your research. Because when you find that perfect community for your parent or grandparent, you’ll know it.
There are so many benefits to senior living we couldn’t even cover them all here. If you have a parent considering senior housing, sit down with them. Let them know they have options to live their best life… even as they age.