Living Options

INDEPENDENT LIVING & RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Get the limited assistance you need with an independent living community.

For people who don’t need a lot of care and don’t live in an assisted living facility or nursing home, it’s not uncommon to feel isolated or lonely with age. But, the good news is that you don’t have to move to a nursing home or an assisted living to get the social interaction you crave. Independent livings — or retirement communities — are perfect for people looking for community and friendship without all of the unnecessary care services, though minimal care is provided and residents can hire outside help as their needs change.

ASSISTED LIVING

An assisted living is a great option when you want community, care, and supervision.
If you’re looking for supervision, consistent support and a community where you or your loved one can thrive and maintain independence, then an assisted living facility may just be the perfect option for your needs. Assisted livings are equipped to provide you with assisted with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, medication management and toileting, while also providing a home-like setting with activities, outings and a thriving social community.  Assisted Living Communities also provide meals, housekeeping and laundry services and in many cases include most utilities.  

CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES (CCRC)

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are designed to meet your changing needs.
It’s not uncommon for your needs to change as you age, and the last thing that you want is to have to move from an independent living to assisted living to a nursing home as you become more reliant on your caregivers. And, luckily, when you choose a continuing care facility, you won’t have to. These facilities offer a full range of care services in a single community, giving them the ability to meet your needs now, and continue to meet those needs well into the future, even when they change.

MEMORY CARE

For people with memory conditions, there’s no better option than memory care.
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia or other cognitive impairments where decision making, quality of life and safety are at risk, a typical assisted living or nursing home just won’t do. Your loved one needs specialized care focused on reducing confusion and enhancing memory function, and that’s exactly what they’ll get with the right memory care facility. Memory care facilities are ideal for people who are in the middle to late stages of dementia. Memory Care Communities also provide meals, housekeeping and laundry services and in many cases include most utilities. Knowing that there is a facility that can maintain their dignity and safety with alternative cognitive and physical care options are the peace of mind you need.

PERSONAL CARE HOMES & RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES

Residential care homes provide the support you need in a comfortable, home-like environment.
Do you or your loved one require help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, medication management or meeting your other basic care needs, but don’t require medical care? Are you looking for a care option that will allow you to enjoy an intimate and comfortable environment that feels like home? If so, a residential care home may be the perfect choice for you. Residential care homes or personal care homes , are small — with typically no more than 10 residents — long-term facilities that can help to meet your non-medical needs.  Some Personal Care Homes may also provide meals, housekeeping and laundry services and in many cases include some utilities.    

IN-HOME CARE

Get the care you need, at home.
It’s not uncommon for people to need help with their activities of daily living (ADLs) as they get older. ADLs include dressing, bathing and eating, and once you or your loved one are no longer able to perform them, your only option may seem like an assisted living community or a nursing home. But, with the help of an in-home care aide, you can get the care you need in your own home. In addition to helping with ADLs, an in-home care aid can also help with managing medication and continence, as well as chores around the house, like cooking and doing the laundry. They can also act as an advisor, providing the advice and support you need.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES (SNF)

Skilled Nursing Services are an essential part of Healthcare!

The purpose of skilled nursing care is to help seniors who need to recover from an injury, illness, or surgery. Seniors are often transferred to a skilled nursing facility or unit following a hospital stay. It's commonly referred to as post-acute care. In most cases, they are well enough to be released from the hospital, but still need significant medical care to recovery.

A skilled nursing facility is not a permanent living situation, but rather a temporary arrangement while the senior regains health, strength, and mobility. Skilled nursing is a phase of care at a certain level often with the goal of requiring less assistance afterward. Often those who discharge from a skilled nursing facility will remain in a basic nursing home if more care is still required. Skilled nursing facilities are beneficial for several reasons:

  • 24-hour licensed staff - Trained and certified medical staff are always available.
  • Therapy - Movement and exercise play a key role in mobility and physical recovery.
  • Social Interaction - Sharing conversation, space, activities or experiences with others can aid in wellbeing and healing.

What services are involved in skilled nursing?

Staff at skilled nursing units or facilities provide assistance with daily living tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and other personal care. The care can vary depending on if the skilled nursing happens in a hospital setting or a nursing home or another location. Examples of typical services provided at a Skilled Nursing Facility include:

  • Planning, managing, and evaluating patient care
  • Giving injections
  • Inserting catheters and feeding lines
  • Using aspiration devices
  • Treating skin diseases
  • Therapy (physical, occupational, speech)
  • Applying dressings for wound care

The average stay in a Skilled Nursing Facility is 28 days.

NURSING HOMES

The Facts and Benefits of Nursing Homes.

A nursing home is more often a permanent residence for people in need of custodial care 24/7 care. Nursing homes are intended for longer stays - 835 days on average - and for those individuals with less specialized or serious medical care needs. 

Who are the professionals that staff a nursing home?

Certified Nursing Assistants provide much of the daily care with oversight. However, federal law requires that a registered nurse be present in Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes at least eight hours straight a day, seven days a week, and that there be a licensed nurse, who can be an RN or LPN, present 24 hours a day. In addition, nursing homes typically have a dietician and activities director on staff.

What services are provided at nursing homes?

  • Room and board
  • Monitoring of medication
  • Personal care (including dressing, bathing, and toilet assistance)
  • General care (using oxygen, catheter care, eye drops, vitamins, stretching, etc.)
  • 24-hour emergency care
  • Social and recreational activities
  • Transportation services
  • Housekeeping services

ADULT DAY CARE

Adult day care provides two essential services. First, they improve senior health and wellbeing by offering stimulating social and physical activities. Second, they provide respite to caregivers who need some time to rest and take care of themselves. Most adult day cares are open Monday to Friday during the day, but some centers stay open during evenings or even on weekends.

Overall, adult day care provides quality care for seniors who need a bit of extra help or supervision during the day. They are also an excellent option for older adults who feel lonely during the day and are looking for some companionship, social engagement, and planned activities.

In most cases, adult day care facilities offer:

  • Social activities, like music, dancing, bingo, birthday celebrations and crafts
  • Physical exercise, such as gentle stretching, walking, or movement to stimulate the body
  • Nutritious meals, snacks, and beverages
  • Assistance with personal care, such as using the restroom, grooming, or eating
  • Supervision during the day, as needed
  • Pick-up or drop-off services for participants, either to and from home or on outings during the day

Specialized facilities might also provide:

  • Health monitoring, like taking blood pressure, or providing hearing screenings
  • Medication management throughout the day
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Counseling
  • Services for caregivers, such as support groups and further education