Would you be happy living in a senior living community? Many healthy, independent seniors assume they are still years away from needing the benefits of senior living. That assumption may be due to seniors not understanding the different levels of care in senior living communities.
Not everyone in senior living needs assistance, but some need high levels of medical and personal care. Understanding the different levels of care in senior living will help you determine if and when a senior community is right for you. To learn more, contact Buckner Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 or online today.
Understanding the Levels of Care in Senior Living
Senior living communities like Westminster Place offer a variety of care options to meet the vast needs of residents, including:
Independent Living
Independent living is designed for active, generally healthy older adults who are interested in the social aspects and amenities of community living. Independent senior living typically includes such amenities as:
- Housekeeping
- Meal options
- Recreational activities
- Transportation services
Independent living residents don’t generally require assistance with their daily medical or personal care. However, if they do, they can have peace of mind knowing it is readily available.
Assisted Care
Assisted care is often what people imagine when they think of senior living communities. However, assisted care is only one of the different levels of care in senior living communities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who can remain largely independent but who could use some help. Common services in assisted care include personal care such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
The amenities included in independent living, such as housekeeping, transportation services, and meal options, are also included in assisted care. Recreational activities designed for seniors with limited mobility are also available.
Memory Care
Memory care is appropriate for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory-related conditions. The types of services each resident receives are based on their individual needs but may include personal care like bathing and grooming, as well as medical care like physical therapy and medication management. Activities designed to promote cognitive function are foundational to memory care.
Long-Term Care
Long-term care is one of the most involved levels of care in senior living. It is for seniors who need ongoing medical care because of an illness such as a stroke. Depending on the individual’s needs, it may include total care such as bathing, feeding, and toilet assistance. Social connection is an important element in long-term care, as social activities are still vital to life quality.
Respite Care
Taking care of a loved one with ongoing medical and personal needs is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Respite care provides primary caregivers with short-term relief. It allows family members who take care of their loved ones to take a break from caregiving duties. Respite care typically takes place in the home of the person needing care but may also take place in an adult care center or healthcare facility.
Respite care may last for a few hours, a few days, or several weeks. The level of care depends on the individual’s needs but may include 24-hour nursing.
Schedule an Appointment Today at Buckner Westminster Place’s Senior Living Community
Understanding the different levels of care in senior living is key to enjoying your golden years to the fullest. Moving to a senior living community can free your time and energy to pursue lifelong interests. Older adults who need some assistance to remain independent will find the help they need, while those with more intense needs will find compassionate and professional care.
The thought of moving a loved one to a senior living community raises many questions. Contact the helpful team at Buckner Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 to learn more about what the different levels of care in senior living can offer you and your loved one. You can also fill out our online contact form and let us get back to you.