Not all older adults who enter senior living facilities require the same services. In fact, the needs of retired seniors can fall anywhere along a broad spectrum. For this reason, there is no single form of care that works for everyone. Instead, multiple levels of care options for seniors are available. Awareness of the differences between these options will help you pick living arrangements that fit your needs and circumstances.
We can help you assess the level of care your loved one needs and give you more information about the care options and services for seniors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Parkway Place today by calling 281.305.1846.
The Different Levels of Care Options for Seniors
Senior care options are broken down into four main levels of service. These levels are:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
- Long-term skilled nursing
Each of these options has its own main features. For example, independent living is for very active seniors who want to streamline and simplify their everyday responsibilities. Assisted living provides vital support for essential daily living activities. Memory care is for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of severe memory impairment. Long-term skilled nursing provides care for seriously ill or injured older adults.
Differences of Need
Your needs in retirement help guide your options for senior living. In independent living, primary needs typically include things such as:
- Reducing or eliminating home maintenance duties
- Avoiding the social isolation that often comes with advancing age
- Making it easier to stay active in the wider local community
As a rule, the main need in assisted living is help with activities of daily living. The specific sorts of support required vary from person to person. The distinguishing need in memory care is help coping with the effects of dementia. In long-term skilled nursing, you need help with the specific illness or injury affecting you.
Medical Services
One of the most significant differences between senior care options is the medical services they provide. Seniors in independent living are generally healthy. As a result, they require no ongoing medical attention. In addition, they don’t need help carrying out their daily living activities.
Older adults in assisted living don’t have major medical needs. Still, they have health issues that require them to get help with their everyday activities. Seniors in memory care receive services specifically designed to support people with dementia. Those in long-term skilled nursing receive services geared toward their particular condition.
Similarities Between Options for Senior Care
In well-run communities, there are also some notable similarities between the various care options for seniors. For example, all senior living options should help you stay as active and vital as possible. In support of this goal, they should offer a wide range of programs and activities to all residents. In addition, they should provide you with a range of supporting services such as dining and housekeeping.
Suitable housing choices are also a common feature of all levels of senior care. So is a safe, secure overall living environment. In a well-designed facility, there is also a heavy emphasis on dignified, compassionate care. This emphasis helps ensure that you’re always treated with respect, regardless of your needs or situation.
Learn More About the Different Care Options for Seniors at Parkway Place
Want to know more about the available care options for seniors? Talk to the senior living experts at Parkway Place. We’ll explain each of these options in detail. We’ll also help you determine which of them makes the most sense for you.
Parkway Place is a comprehensive provider of senior living options. No matter your situation, you’ll find an appropriate level of care. You’ll also find a caring, compassionate environment dedicated to meeting your unique needs. For more information, just call us today at 281.305.1846. You can also reach us through our online message form.