Choosing ongoing care as you get older is a huge decision and you need to make sure you have considered all the options in deciding which is best for you.
Two of the most popular continuing care options are assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC).
What Is an Assisted Living Facility?
Assisted living facilities allow you to live independently and provide support for day to day tasks you may find more challenging.
These can include bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, and mobility.
Some assisted living facilities will also offer support with transportation, laundry, and some basic medical aid.
The exact facilities and amenities will vary and many will have more than one care option available.
Pros and Cons of an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living allows you to remain in a private setting as if you were in your own private home, without needing to consider the maintenance and upkeep.
But you still have access to the care and support you need around the clock.
The main disadvantage is cost. Assisted living can be expensive and it might work out cheaper to stay in your own home.
Also while you do have privacy, you will likely be interacting in groups much more than in your own home. This can be off-putting if you don’t usually like being in groups.
Compared to a CCRC, assisted living facilities don’t have the same facilities for medical care. Any advanced medical needs will mean traveling off-site.
What Is a CCRC?
A CCRC is a community that allows for independent living, assisted living and nursing care all in one place usually called a campus.
CCRCs offer a more complete range of care options and services than assisted living facilities and are often a more long term option.
Pros and Cons of a CCRC
Many of the advantages and disadvantages of a CCRC are similar to an assisted living facility.
The biggest advantage of a CCRC over assisted living is that you’re able to stay in one place as your support and care needs progress.
CCRCs have a more complete range of services so if you need more medical care, you’ll still be able to access it on-site.
This does come at an added cost however and a CCRC is often more expensive than assisted living.
If you are looking at moving as a couple with different care needs, a CCRC would allow you to live in the same place and both get the specific support you need.
If you want to find out more about the flexibility and pricing options for both CCRC and assisted living, you can discover more at findcontinuingcare.com.
Other Factors
One of the biggest factors when choosing a continuing care facility will also be the location.
You will want to consider visits to or from your family as well as the things you enjoy doing off-site and local amenities.
If you have any specific activities you enjoy, you will want to see if the care facilities you are considering also cater to those.
Which Is Best for You?
Both a CCRC and assisted living have their pros and cons. The best one for you will depend on your budget, the support you currently have, and your needs both now and in the future.
If you want to find out more about looking after your wellbeing and lifestyle at any age check out the Life section of our blog.
