Lifestyle & Care Options in Senior Living Communities

Senior living communities offer a range of care options designed to fit the unique needs of each resident. From little to no care in Independent Living to around-the-clock care in Skilled Nursing, today’s senior living communities are no longer one-size-fits all, but rather provide care options at different levels, so each resident gets exactly what they need every day. Take a look at the diversity of care options in today’s modern senior living communities.

Independent Living

As the name implies, Independent Living is perfect for healthy, active older adults who do not need any of the daily care options available, but who want the safety, security and amenities provided by upscale senior living communities. In Independent Living, residents have all the freedom of life at home while enjoying the close proximity of friends, as well as daily activities like games and exercise, social events, entertainment, and wonderful meals close by. At the same time, they no longer have to worry about caring for a home and can enjoy the privacy of a maintenance-free apartment that fits their new “right-sized,” carefree lifestyle.  Get ready for Independent Living by reading our blog, “7 Benefits of Downsizing to Senior Living.”

Assisted Living

Many older adults first consider senior living communities when they realize they can no longer manage on their own at home. Perhaps they need help with daily personal hygiene, dressing or managing medications. Or for some, health concerns make it necessary to have assistance with walking and getting around, taking care of laundry and housekeeping, or getting all the nutrition and socialization they need.

This is where the care options in Assisted Living come into play. Residents can get all the assistance they need in their own private apartment, while enjoying an independent and social lifestyle that includes amazing meals, planned activities, community events, transportation to appointments and shopping, and plenty of friends to share life with. Not sure whether Independent or Assisted Living is the right choice? Check out our blog, “Independent Living and Assisted Living: Which Option Is Best?

Memory Care

When memory conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease become a threat to an older adult’s health and safety at home, Memory Care can be a literal lifesaver. In Memory Care, team members work with the resident’s physician to assess them and determine what they need to remain healthy and as independent as possible while staying safe and secure. 

Senior living communities with Memory Care are prepared to help residents with activities of daily living, getting to meals, joining appropriate activities and therapies, and making the most of each day. At the same time, Memory Care has special features in place to keep residents safe like alarms on doors, tracking bracelets, and other mechanisms to prevent wandering. Memory Care accommodations are also designed to be simple so residents can navigate easily and quickly become familiar and comfortable with their surroundings. Many of the best, like Thrive Senior Living, are also certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education so team members are always on the cutting edge of care. Find out more about Memory Care in our blog, “What Does “Memory Care” Really Mean?

Skilled Nursing

When short-term daily medical care is needed outside of a hospital, Skilled Nursing is one of the care options available. People recovering from an accident, injury, or surgery, or who need rehabilitation to get back on their feet benefit from Skilled Nursing which offers the care of skilled nurses and physicians around-the-clock. Residents in Skilled Nursing can receive medications, wound care, therapy, help getting in and out of bed, and assistance with meals as needed. For a precise definition of Skilled Nursing, the investopedia.com article, “Skilled Nursing Facility” is a great resource.

Respite Care

For older adults who need care when a caregiver takes time off, Respite Care is the perfect solution. Residents in respite care enjoy all the benefits of senior living communities for short stays. For some they may be in Assisted Living while others will need Memory Care or Skilled Nursing. Each will receive the care they need while taking advantage of appropriate activities and events. Thrive offers respite care (or as they like to call it, “Staycation”) for both assisted living and memory care. Learn more here

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

For older adults who want to ensure their needs are covered down the road, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are a type of senior living community that offer a unique alternative. According to the senior living.org blog, “Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)” CCRCs offer residents the opportunity to pay a substantial entrance fee so if they need higher levels of care in the future, they will have it without leaving the community or waiting in line. Many CCRCs offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing so residents have all the most common care options available.

When looking for the perfect senior living community, consider all that Thrive has to offer in a vibrant, carefree and fun lifestyle for seniors. For more about choosing the right senior living community, download our Family Decision Guide. Learn more about Thrive’s communities, housing choices and amenities by contacting us today! 

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