As we age, understanding the different levels of care in senior living can aid in planning for your future. Many communities have a continuum of care, meaning they offer multiple levels of care and will help you transition from one to the next, allowing you to age in place. Your needs may change quickly, so it’s essential to plan ahead and consider potential future requirements when choosing a community. Here is a breakdown of the different levels of care offered in senior living communities.
Independent Living
Among the many amenities and features in independent living communities, the largest is that moving into a community helps to remove the burden of home ownership. With housekeeping and maintenance services, you will no longer have to trouble yourself with the regular upkeep of your home. This frees you up to participate in a number of scheduled activities, such as fitness classes, social events, and lifelong learning. In addition to the maintenance-free lifestyle, you will have access to transportation to doctor’s offices, banks, grocery stores, other shops, and cultural opportunities. Finally, independent communities will offer some sort of meal plan, giving you access to delicious meals prepared just for you.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is ideal for individuals who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, or medication management. These activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, eating, toileting, transferring, etc., and determine just how much assistance is required. Assisted living communities provide the required care while still supporting and encouraging routines. These communities have 24-hour support, provide three meals and a snack per day, and offer a full calendar of activities to benefit a resident’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Skilled Nursing
The next stage of care, skilled nursing, employs 24/7 nursing staff to provide assistance for all ADLs. Skilled nursing communities will often also include rehabilitation and short term care for those who have a stroke, fall, surgery, or other needs on a temporary basis. Rehabilitation is all about restoring the quality of life of the resident and we pair with your doctors to offer complete care. No matter the resident’s reason for living in skilled nursing, our team will provide the necessary clinical resources needed to give you the best possible support, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy as needed.
Memory Care
Memory care can be a great option for those experiencing memory loss, whether it be dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most crucial elements of memory care is developing routines that create a calming and structured environment. At Taylor Glen, we have partnered with Rachael Wonderlin and her team at Dementia By Day to create our dementia care program, Mindful Impressions. Engaging programs such as music therapy, physical fitness, and sensory activities can provide crucial mental stimulation. Every single person experiences memory loss differently, which is why we focus on person-centered care. Safety and comfort are at the center at all we do here.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding what community is right for you, it’s important to take the continuum of care into account. Review your long-term care insurance and other policies to ensure you maximize available benefits.
Contact us today to discover if Taylor Glen Life Plan Community is right for you. Our dedicated sales team is available to help you feel confident in your next step.