The Continuum of Senior Living: From Independence to Hospice
When considering housing options, seniors can consider options like selling their house outright, moving in with family, downsizing to a smaller home, moving into an assisted living facility/nursing home, joining a retirement community, selling to a family member, or exploring "aging in place" solutions with home modifications to support their needs depending on their health, financial situation, and desired lifestyle. The following are some of the broader stops along the continuum.
Aging in Place
Aging in Place refers to the ability of a person to remain in their own home while receiving the necessary support and services to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Given the choice, 90% of adults would prefer to age in place independently and comfortably.
Aging in place can provide an enhanced quality of life with seniors remaining in familiar
surroundings which contribute to emotional well-being and life satisfaction. Staying in one’s
community also allows for continued engagement more often with established social networks.
And finally with the average Massachusetts assisted living residence and private nursing home
costing $6400 and $13,400 per month respectively, investments in modifications to stay at
home can be cost effective.
Continuous Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior living option that provides seniors
with the opportunity to live in one location for as long as they need. Typically they offer
Independent and Assisted Living options with some level of on-site healthcare services, and
access to doctors and nurses. Some, not all, CCRCs offer Memory and skilled nursing care
with 24/7 access to medical professionals. The benefit of CCRCs is that they allow residents to
choose what level of help they want through the various stages of the aging process, without the
necessity of moving from one location to another.
CCRCs allow families and residents peace of mind, knowing that loved ones will have all the support they require no matter their ongoing needs. Often by the time a senior makes the decision to move from their home, they are already facing a complex but not fully realized profile of needs, and a CCRC allows for a menu of services to be utilized.
Level 1: Independent living
Independent living or senior 55+ residences cater to seniors who are largely self-sufficient and can manage their daily activities independently, but may prefer to leave behind the burdens of homeownership and enjoy amenities such as prepared dining options and social or recreational opportunities. Older adults who are active and healthy enjoy the continuing care retirement community facilities and maintenance-free advantages while living alone in their preferred home.
Level 2: Assisted living
If a loved one’s level of care requires greater assistance, assisted living can provide round-the-clock custodial and medical services. Staff members are available to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or medication administration, for residents to be as independent as possible. Assisted living may be provided in the form of apartment-style housing, either entirely private or semi-private.
Level 3: Memory care
Seniors who are experiencing memory loss as a result of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive disabilities may choose to move to the on-campus memory care facility at the continuing care retirement community. Residents are cared for by specially trained staff who prioritize comfort, engagement, and safety.
Level 4: Skilled nursing care
Skilled nursing care, like assisted living, involves medical and custodial services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, skilled nursing pertains specifically to rehabilitation services and short-term care. For instance, residents requiring post-surgical wound treatment, physical or speech therapy following a stroke, or IV medication administration might stay in the skilled nursing facility of a community care retirement complex.
Hospice Care
Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for terminally ill individuals, with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and volunteers, who work together to meet the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice care also provides support for the patient's family and caregivers, helping them cope with the emotional and practical challenges of end-of-life care and bereavement support for up to one year.
Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including homes, nursing homes, and specialized facilities. Services include: pain and symptom management, medical supplies and equipment, counseling and spiritual support, respite care and specialized therapies.
Exploring Options and Transitions with your Aging Loved Ones
Downsizing & Decluttering
6 Tips to Help Senior Parents Declutter and Downsize - LINK
Hoarding & Seniors: What Families Need to Know - Hoarding among seniors is more than clutter—it can impact their health and safety. This video shares practical tips to help older adults manage hoarding behaviors compassionately. Learn how to spot hoarding, understand its causes, and approach decluttering with care. If you’re navigating this challenge with a loved one, this guide offers actionable steps to ensure a safer home and better quality of life. LINK
Selling, Transferring the Family Home
5 Things to Consider when Selling a Home to Pay for Assisted Living - LINK
Moving Parents In With You
For more resources and information, see section on Caregiver support - LINK
Guides as you prepare to move in a parent:
Here's a breakdown of other helpful resources and considerations:
Government and Local Resources:
Considerations for Moving an Aging Loved One In:
Considerations for the Moving Process
Helping elderly parents move can bring them closer to family, ensure a safer home environment, and lead to a more active lifestyle. Whether your parent is transitioning to an assisted living community, moving into your home, or downsizing to a senior apartment, these six tips can help you plan.
Researching New Housing
Monthly Assisted Living Residences. Lunch and Tour
The Jenks Shuttle is on the road, visiting local assisted living and senior living residences in the area. We will visit a different place each month. - Contact Suzanne Norton for more information. snorton@winchester.us.
Certified Senior Advisors
There is a network of Certified Senior Advisors who offer free referral services to seniors seeking out information about independent, assisted living and memory care residences in your areas. Provital is one such service in the Winchester area, but other Certified Senior Advisors in your area can be found HERE.
Researching Memory Care Residences- 10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Memory Care Facility - LINK
Resources
Assisted Living and Nursing Homes in Winchester & Neighboring Communities
The Gables: Independent and assisted living facility for seniors. Offer entertainment and recreation activities, assistance with medical care, daily living activities, and rehabilitation services. - 299 Cambridge St. Winchester, MA - Phone: (781) 756-1026 - LINK
New Horizons at Choate : Independent and assisted living facility for seniors. Offer entertainment and recreation activities, in addition to assistance with on-site medical care, daily living activities, and memory care services. - 21 Warren Ave. Woburn, MA - Phone: (781) 932-8000 - LINK
Winchester Mount Vernon House: Assisted living facility, offering meals service, on-staff nurse, and assistance with activities of daily living. - 110 Mount Vernon St. Winchester, MA - Phone: (781) 729-0497 - LINK
Aviva Country Club Heights, Woburn - Assisted lIving with Memory Care - 3 Rehabilitation Way Woburn, Woburn.
Youville Place, Lexington - Assited Living with Memory Unit
OTHERS - Suzanne Norton
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