Donna Says - Monthly Advice Column

Donna Says Advice Column

Donna Pick founded Senior Residential Choices with a mission to enhance the senior housing placement process. Donna is a certified as a ‘Residential Care Facility Administrator” for Assisted Living Communities and is knowledgeable in the guidelines of senior care.

Donna uses her 'Donna Says' column to bring you the latest in senior housing news and advice. This month Donna discusses one of the most challenging questions for someone who is beginning their senior facility search.

What Are The Different Types Of Retirement Communities? (Part 1)

Hi and welcome to my advice column “Donna Says.” I really appreciate your questions. Thanks for writing and calling in. And, I am glad to hear that my answers have been helpful. Our topic this month is 'What Are The Different Types Of Retirement Communities?'.

Before you even start looking for the best retirement community for yourself or your loved one, you have to know what specific care is needed. Basically, what is the type of facility that can take care of the senior’s needs? The description of a senior’s level of care can be obtained from a physician, a social worker, an assisted living assisted living director, a family member or the actual senior.

There are six basic types of retirement facilities which are separated by the type of care that they provide. These definitions are general and vary from community to community.

It may be apparent as to the specific level of care that is needed, and therefore what type of community will be appropriate. Or, it may be very close between two types. For example, a senior may have slight cognitive impairment but not dementia and then an assisted living rather than a dementia facility will be chosen.

As always, you may write to me on the Contact Us Page or you can start your senior housing search on our Find Facility Page. If you need immediate assistance, please call me at (800) 584-1855.

Until then, keep smiling’ and have happy days... Donna