As seniors are living longer and more active lives than ever before, senior living communities are evolving to cater to the diverse needs of their residents. That’s why different levels of care are provided in senior living communities for specific wants and needs to give you the benefits that only a more personalized experience can.
From housing options for seniors who can live independently to as-needed support to care for those with dementia to respite care, here’s what’s available today.
What care is provided in senior living communities?
Independent living
This senior living option is more about lifestyle than care, as it is ideal for active seniors who can still live independently but seek a vibrant social community without the hassle of chores and home upkeep.
In independent living, you can typically expect the following:
- A range of floor plans, including studio, one and two-bedroom apartment suites
- Maintenance-free living that includes 24-hour staffing, restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping, linen service, and transportation
- A full calendar of social opportunities, activities, and clubs
- Amenities that include concierge services, a fitness center, a library, and an onsite beauty salon/barbershop
Assisted living
While you’ll find many of the same services and amenities as independent living, assisted living residents also benefit from support services when it comes to the care provided in this senior living option. For example, our communities offer support as needed to help you remain as independent as possible while enjoying an engaging, purposeful life.
In assisted living, you can typically expect the following:
- Care staff is available 24/7, and a registered nursing team is onsite
- Personalized support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and safely navigating the community
- The comfort of a homelike setting without the worries of home upkeep, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance
- Features that include spacious, private accommodations, a fitness center, a library, and an onsite beauty salon/barbershop
- Daily social opportunities through a range of scheduled programs, activities, and outings
- Note that assisted living typically does not provide the specialized care needed for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, incontinence, or chronic health issues that require round-the-clock care.
Memory care
Of all the options for care provided in senior living, memory care is the most specific as it is designed to nurture and support those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia exclusively.
In memory care, you can typically expect the following:
- Staff that is specially trained in the needs and challenges of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia
- An individualized care plan with 24-hour supervision from onsite care staff and a registered nursing team
- A secure, calming environment with contrasting color schemes and a building design that is easy to navigate
- Therapy, a structured daily routine, and programs with social opportunities tailored to each resident’s cognitive abilities
- Features that include comfortable apartment-style accommodations, housekeeping, and linen service, as well as emergency call systems and health monitoring
Respite care
This type of care provided by some senior living communities offers a temporary option to give caregivers a break, to support recovery after an illness or injury, or simply to try out what life is like in a senior living community setting.
In respite care, you can typically expect the following:
- A short-term stay of 30 days or more
- Private, furnished suite with three meals a day, social activities, and access to amenities
- Support with activities of daily living from onsite care staff
Consider the care provided in senior living communities for today and tomorrow
We recommend planning for today and tomorrow by considering a community that offers more than one level of care on the same campus. This has benefits such as:
- Being able to stay with friends and in the comfort of familiar surroundings instead of moving from place to place should your health needs evolve
- Invaluable peace of mind for our residents and their families by maintaining continuity in care
To learn more about the care provided in senior living, download our Choosing the Right Community Guide today!