The Senior Living Landscape

While most of us would like to age in place in our private residency, the fact is 7 out of 10 seniors in America will need some kind of retirement community within the senior living landscape during their later years. If it’s looking like transitioning to the comfort and supportive environment of a senior living community is in the cards for you or someone you love, it makes sense to start researching the types and costs now.

Click Here to Understand the Senior Living Landscape

• 55+ Living – This type of senior living community caters to individuals aged 55 and above, specifically those without children or whose children have already grown up. These communities typically feature a range of housing options such as patio homes or condos available for rent or purchase. Residents often have access to shared amenities like a clubhouse, providing spaces for communal activities and gatherings. However, unlike other senior living communities, these communities usually do not offer structured programs or services. MorningStar communities do invite residents as young as 55 years old.


• Independent Living – This kind of senior living community is for adults aged 55 years and older who don’t need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like getting dressed, bathing, and managing medication. It is focused on providing an engaging lifestyle that eliminates the hassles of home care and maintenance. Many offer a variety of onsite amenities like all-day restaurant-style dining options, a movie theater, gym, and beauty salon. The majority provide physically, mentally, and spiritually enriching activities such as exercise classes, book discussion groups, lectures, and concerts, as well as inviting spaces to attend religious services or meditate. Some host bus excursions to local museums, shopping venues, and outside cultural events like plays, festivals, or sporting events. Several MorningStar communities offer an Independent Living lifestyle neighborhood; see our website for specifically which.
  


• Assisted Living – This type of senior living community is designed for older adults who do need non-medical help with ADLs. Most communities offer basics like meals up to three times a day as well as social activities. Others have luxury features like spas, snack bars, and cocktail lounges. Living options range from spacious private apartments to single rooms with an ensuite bath. Beyond their private space, residents can enjoy access to common areas like dining and activity rooms as well as things like a library, movie room, pool, or walking trails.
  
  Some of the many benefits of assisted living include 24/7 onsite staff, housekeeping help, and transportation services; everything to give families peace of mind and give residents the help they need so they can focus on enjoying life. Virtually all MorningStar communities offer an Assisted Living lifestyle neighborhood; see our website for specifically which.
  


• Memory Care – This is a senior living community where people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can get a full-spectrum of specialized senior care and round-the-clock supervision. Most offer activities, including gardening, exercise, and cognitive games and therapies specifically designed for the needs and enjoyment of those experiencing memory challenges. The primary benefits of memory care are to provide peace of mind for families and a safe and enriching environment for memory-impaired loved ones at every stage of their journey. Virtually all MorningStar communities offer a Memory Care lifestyle neighborhood; see our website for specifically which.
  


• Home Health – Home health agencies serve aging seniors within a private home or within an independent, assisted living or memory care community by offering personal care above and beyond what the community’s staff provides. MorningStar does not provide this service, though we work alongside various agencies who do.
  


• Skilled Nursing – There was a time when this was the only offering on the senior living continuum. Services here are within a skilled nursing facility, also called a “SNF” or “nursing home.” Care is often delivered in a more clinical model and a more hospital-like environment. Focus is on medical care with 24-hour nursing provided. Could be short-term (recuperative or rehabilitative after a hospital stay) or traditional long-term nursing care. MorningStar does not offer this service.
  


• Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) – Continuing Care Retirement Communities, otherwise known as CCRCs, are larger campuses where a variety of lifestyle choices and healthcare needs are offered, from independent living through hospice care. The pricing structure typically involves a large substantial buy in which comes with a guarantee of residency even if your finances are depleted. MorningStar does not provide this type of pricing structure nor any type of CCRC.
  

The cost of becoming part of a senior living community varies greatly depending on the level of senior care and services you need and where you live. Here’s a tool to help you calculate the median cost of a retirement community in your area. Knowing what you need and want within the senior living landscape and how much it might cost will help you plan for a future you’ll love living in.

MorningStar Senior Living

If your loved one lives far from family and friends, it could be time to move into a senior living community near their adult children where they’ll have the companionship of fellow seniors and a compassionate service team. At MorningStar Senior Living, a 24/7 team is dedicated to offering care and hospitality services that meet each resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. We offer month to month rent with levels of care if needed.