The city of Toulon, in the Var department, offers various types of accommodations tailored to the needs of seniors. In response to the aging population and the specific requirements related to age, several categories of establishments welcome elderly individuals based on their health condition and level of autonomy. Each type of senior accommodation is characterized by its organization, as well as the services and care options offered. Here is an overview of the different types of retirement homes in Toulon and the possible care options for residents.
What are the different types of nursing homes in Toulon?
Among accommodations for seniors, it is important to distinguish between Nursing Homes for Dependent Elderly People (EHPAD) and senior residences intended for more autonomous individuals.
If you are looking for a nursing home in Toulon, be aware that this is the most common type of retirement home in the city. These medicalized establishments are designed to accommodate dependent elderly people who need daily assistance with routine activities such as bathing and meals. EHPADs have an on-site medical team, consisting of nurses, caregivers, and doctors, to provide appropriate medical and social support for each resident.
The city of Toulon has several public and private Nursing Homes for Dependent Elderly People, some of which specialize in caring for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Facilities equipped with an Alzheimer's unit offer a secure environment for residents with cognitive disorders, in protected units.
What is the difference between nursing homes and senior residences?
Among the different types of retirement homes in Toulon, you will also find senior residences, which can be independent living residences or service residences.
Independent living residences (formerly known as sheltered housing) are non-medicalized structures. Unlike nursing homes, they cater to elderly people who are still autonomous but wish to live in a secure environment adapted to their needs. Residents benefit from a friendly environment where they can participate in group activities while maintaining their independence.
These residences do not provide medical care but offer residents independent accommodations with à la carte services, such as dining, entertainment, and sometimes personal assistance services. In Toulon, independent living residences of this type are generally located in quiet neighborhoods and close to amenities, allowing seniors to maintain an active social life.
Senior service residences are another option for autonomous elderly individuals. They offer private apartments in a secure setting, with services such as concierge, dining, and social activities. Unlike independent living residences, senior service residences position themselves on a more upscale market, offering more luxurious amenities.
These residences are not medicalized but may work in partnership with external healthcare professionals to provide additional services if needed. They are the ideal accommodation solution for active seniors seeking comfort and independence while enjoying collective services.
What are the different types of support?
To make the right choice among the different types of retirement homes in Toulon, you must first determine the future resident's needs and select establishments based on the care they offer.
As we mentioned earlier, EHPADs are the only establishments to offer comprehensive medical care. Thanks to medical teams present on-site at all times, residents receive care tailored to their health condition: the coordinating doctor of the EHPAD supervises the care, while nurses and caregivers are available day and night to meet the residents' needs.
This type of establishment can implement personalized care based on the person's pathologies. Indeed, EHPADs work in connection with hospitals and external specialists to ensure the complete follow-up of residents. When they have an Alzheimer's unit, these establishments can take care of patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders.
In addition to medical care, retirement homes in Toulon offer social and psychological support. Animators organize activities and workshops to stimulate residents' cognitive and physical abilities, such as memory workshops, games, cultural outings, and adapted physical activities. These activities help maintain social connections, an essential factor for healthy aging.
Moreover, some establishments offer psychological support to help residents adapt to life in a retirement home, especially when this decision is difficult for them or their relatives to accept.
Finally, the issue of financial coverage is a crucial criterion in choosing a retirement home in Toulon. Prices vary significantly depending on the type of establishment (EHPAD, independent living residence, senior service residence) and the services offered. It should be noted that several financial aids exist to reduce the cost of accommodation, such as the Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA), departmental social assistance, and housing assistance (APL).
The APA is an aid intended for dependent elderly people living in EHPAD or at home, while departmental social assistance can be requested by people whose income is insufficient to cover the costs of staying in a retirement home.