Care Levels in Senior Living: What is the Right Fit?

Levels of care in senior living communities differ depending on the resources and support available. The big question is: how do you determine which community and level of care is best for you or your loved one?

Assessing Your Loved One's Care Needs

The first step in choosing the appropriate level of care for your loved one is to evaluate their care needs. This includes considering their daily living requirements, medical needs, and social/emotional needs.

• Daily living requirements: Involve activities of daily living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene, bathing, and dressing.
• Medical needs: Can range from simple medication management to more advanced medical procedures.
• Social and emotional well-being: Refers to social interaction, emotional support, and intellectual support.

Once you have identified your loved one's care requirements, you can start exploring the various care options available. 

Independent Living

Independent living is an option for seniors who want to pursue their interests without having to worry about household chores such as landscaping, maintenance, and basic utilities.

Many of these communities are designed to function and feel like a private residence while providing seniors with opportunities to take part in social activities including excursions, social gatherings, and fitness classes.

Is Independent Living Right for You or Your Loved One?

This option might be a good fit if your loved one is looking for the following:

• A vibrant lifestyle: Engaging and social lifestyle without typical home maintenance responsibilities.
• Independence:  They want to enjoy their retirement by taking care of their own needs, including ADLs.
• Life enhancement: They want access to services and amenities that can improve their quality of life, like transportation services, fitness centers, and social events.
• Less maintenance: They want to downsize and simplify their life while maintaining independence.

Assisted Living

Assisted living offers a residential solution for seniors who require help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications but don't require full nursing home care. They balance independence with personal and medical support, offering shared or private accommodations and communal spaces for activities and dining.

Is Assisted Living Right for You or Your Loved One?

This option is great for seniors who need:

• Personalized care plans: Customized support based on individual needs. For example, some residents have physical limitations or health issues but still want independence.
• Comprehensive Services: Includes housekeeping, meals, transportation, and recreational activities.
• Safety and security: Improved safety features and 24/7 team member presence offer peace of mind. For example, if your loved one needs help getting something off a shelf, they can just press a button, and a team member will be there within minutes.

Memory Care

Memory care offers specialized long-term care and/or nursing, for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. This care level is designed to offer a safe environment for seniors with memory and cognitive challenges, incorporating regular routines to help reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Dementia is a progressive condition, which means that although it may progress slowly, it cannot be cured or reversed. In the early stages, many seniors can be cared for at home. However, as the disease progresses, they eventually need more support than can be reliably offered at home.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. This number is estimated to reach 14 million by 2050. With such alarming statistics, it's no wonder families face significant challenges in caring for loved ones affected by this type of diagnosis.

Is Memory Care Right for You or Your Loved One?

Memory care communities benefit seniors who want:

• Specialized care: These communities have teams trained in behavior management and dementia care.
• Structured environment: Predictable routines that ease stress and confusion.
• Improved security: Advanced monitoring systems and secure premises.

Making the Right Decision for You or Your Loved One

Choosing a senior living facility is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Start by evaluating your loved one's needs – what type of medical support do they need? How much assistance do they require with ADLs? What environment will make them feel most at home? Then see if the community you are interested in offers some or all of these levels of care so that your loved one does not need to move as they progress to a higher level. 

We are here to help you make informed decisions at every stage of the process. Contact us or stop by one of our communities to get more information about the different care levels we offer.