Understanding senior living care options can be confusing for seniors and their families. What type of care is needed? What level of care is appropriate? Is that care best provided at home or in senior living? All questions that need answers. To better understand what’s what, here’s an outline of each of the different senior living care options.
Independent Living – carefree security
Independent Living offers healthy seniors all the benefits of home and more, with few of the responsibilities. Among the many benefits are little to no home maintenance or costs, and on-site activities and amenities like fitness centers, chef-inspired meals, daily activities, salons and barbershops, movie theaters, and transportation. Common senior living care options might include weekly housekeeping, linen service, emergency systems, and the peace that comes with knowing additional care is available if you need it.
Assisted Living – a helping hand
For seniors who need a little help with daily life, but want to maintain their independence, Assisted Living offers senior living care options that include assistance with personal care like bathing and dressing, managing medications, and getting around safely, and other options that can be adapted to each individual over time. In addition to daily care, Assisted Living residents also have a variety of fun and helpful amenities and services available that are designed to keep them happy and healthy. Exercise classes, social clubs, concerts, games, trips, and more are a part of everyday life in Assisted Living, and residents are encouraged to pursue their own interests and hobbies.
For socially isolated seniors, the company of friends and team members can be one of the most appreciated of all senior living care options. This may not seem like a big deal, but in fact loneliness is to blame for health problems from hypertension to depression to heart attack and stroke. So, living in a vibrant and friendly community is a form of care that should not be underestimated. If you’re not sure whether Independent or Assisted Living is the right choice, our blog, “Independent Living and Assisted Living: Which Option Is Best?” can help sort it out.
Memory Care – protection with independence
When an older adult is diagnosed with memory problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, families face the dilemma of how to provide the level of care and security their loved one requires. In Memory Care, each resident is carefully assessed, and team members work with physicians to provide the right senior living care options while encouraging independence. Memory Care residents join in activities, games, and events, but also receive different types of therapies that are designed to help lessen symptoms.
Security is another of the senior living care options provided in Memory Care. People with memory loss tend to wander away from home, so keeping them safe at home may require constant oversight. In Memory Care, around-the-clock security measures are central to protecting residents who have the added benefit of living in a community that offers so much more than just existing at home. What makes Memory Care the perfect solution? Find out in our blog, “What Does “Memory Care” Really Mean?”
Skilled Nursing – hands-on care
When an older adult needs 24/7 medical care outside of a hospital, Skilled Nursing care is often the best option. Often prescribed by a physician following a hospital stay, Skilled Nursing provides care similar to a hospital as well as specific therapies to help residents recover or reach their fullest potential.
Care at home – burden or benefit?
Many seniors believe they can get the care they need at home but are not aware of how much that care actually costs in both time and money. At first, getting family help with housekeeping, meals, and maintenance is often manageable. But as needs grow, outside caregivers may be required daily, weekly or in some situations, all day and night. Costs for care can quickly escalate and may even exceed the cost of senior living when added to the overall costs of a home. To best assess if home or senior living care options make the most sense, check out our blog, “Comparing the Cost of Senior Living with Staying at Home.”
Senior living care options can make life much safer, easier, and longer for seniors who need help living well. At Thrive Senior Living, care is integrated into our greater plan to help each resident live their best possible life in a safe and fun community. 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!