A Look at Senior Living Care Options

Long gone are the days when senior living was only an option for older adults whose medical needs were such that they could no longer be cared for at home. Now, senior living care options are as diverse as the needs of their residents! From housing options for older adults who can still live independently to as-needed support to care for those with dementia to round-the-clock nursing care, here’s what’s available to you or your loved one.

Senior Living Care Option #1: Independent Living  

This senior living care option is more about lifestyle than support because it’s designed for active older adults who are still able to live independently but seek a vibrant social community without the hassle of chores and home upkeep.

In senior living communities with independent living, you can typically expect:

• A range of floor plans including studio, one and two-bedroom apartment suites; we feature 26 different options from which to choose.  
• Maintenance-free living that includes 24-hour staffing, restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping, linen service, and transportation.  
• A variety of social opportunities, activities, and clubs.
• Amenities that include concierge services, fitness center, library, and onsite beauty salon/barbershop.

Senior Living Care Option #2: Assisted Living  

Assisted living is a senior living care option offering as many services and amenities as independent living. However, in assisted living, residents also benefit from just the right amount of support to remain as independent as possible while enjoying an engaging, purposeful life.

In senior living communities with assisted living, you can typically expect:

• Care staff available 24/7 and a registered nursing team onsite.
• Support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management; we feature a specialized care program tailored to each resident’s specific needs and wants.
• The comfort of a homelike setting without the worry of home upkeep, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance.
• Features that include spacious, private accommodations, fitness center, library, and onsite beauty salon/barbershop.
• Daily social opportunities through a range of scheduled programs, activities, and outings.  

Senior Living Care Option #3: Memory Care  

In terms of senior living care options, memory care is the most specific as it is designed to nurture and support those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia exclusively. This is because these residents require a uniquely flexible care plan that supports their specific needs and provides peace of mind to families.

In senior living communities with memory care, you can typically expect:

• Staff specially trained in the needs and challenges of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia  
• A personalized care plan with 24-hour supervision from onsite care staff and a registered nursing team.
• A secure, yet calming environment with a structured daily routine.
• Activities tailored to each resident’s cognitive abilities; our memory care program offers fitness and social opportunities that help residents to make the most of life as well.
• Features that include comfortable, apartment-style accommodations, housekeeping, and linen service as well as emergency call systems and health monitoring.

Senior Living Care Option #4: Skilled Nursing

This is the most intensive senior living care option available. Here you’ll find round-the-clock and/or specialized care such as treating wounds, intravenous (IV) therapy, injections, catheter care, and monitoring vitals and medical equipment.  

In senior living communities with skilled nursing, you can typically expect:

• Care staff is available 24/7 and a registered nursing team is on-site as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
• Personalized support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management.
• Although it is primarily a medical setting, we offer a personalized experience with stimulating social and recreational activities as well as dining services and a range of amenities.

The All-On-One-Campus Option

While all of these senior living care options are wonderful, you may be wondering what happens when a person needs to move from one option to another. Well, in a community like ours the transition is easy because we feature all of these senior living care options on the same campus! This gives residents invaluable peace of mind not only because they can remain in familiar surroundings, but all maintain continuity in care.