Assisted living communities are thoughtfully designed to act as comfortable environments for their residents, keeping them safe and provided for. However, each resident has their own needs and preferences when it comes to the care they receive. Hence, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, assisted living in Huntersville, NC includes different levels of care, enabling them to live as independently as possible.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a program offered by senior living communities, which aims to provide residents with the perfect balance of care and independence. Hence, most assisted living neighborhoods are similar to a home-like setting, with various design optimizations that promote independence. Furthermore, a team of caretakers is always present to support residents and provide various services. Since assisted living communities welcome a variety of residents with care-related needs unique to themselves, many retirement communities offer different care level systems. While care levels vary throughout the country because of differences in state regulations, the most commonly used care level system is the three-level needs classification system.
Level One Assisted Living Care
Level one assisted living care involves little caretaker involvement in a resident’s everyday lifestyle, making this the least intensive care level out of the three available. Residents classified under level one assisted living care require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like all assisted living residents do, but only occasionally. Otherwise, they’re usually able to maintain good hygiene and well-being by themselves.
Level Two Assisted Living Care
Level two assisted living includes a moderate amount of caretaker-provided aid with certain ADLs, such as dressing and shaving. Residents classified under level two usually receive more one-on-one assistance from their caretakers compared to those receiving level one care. Hence, their community may adjust care costs to accommodate the added manpower directed towards level two residents.
Level Three Assisted Living Care
Level three assisted living care is the most intensive level of care, and is thus sometimes referred to as enhanced assisted living. This is typically the highest level of care, provided only to residents that require regular, extensive support to complete various ADLs throughout their day. Such ADLs include common activities such as toileting and communicating, which the residents may have difficulties with due to certain physical impairments or disabilities. Furthermore, residents receiving level three assisted living care may or may not have mild to moderate memory loss as well.
Which is Right for Your Loved One?
Thankfully, your loved one’s retirement community will help your family determine which care level your loved one falls under. Before your loved one enters any senior living community, they’re required to undergo a noninvasive needs assessments, which is designed to ascertain if a prospective resident can receive the care level they need in the community. This objective way of assessing your loved one’s needs allows your loved one to receive more personalized, appropriate care as a resident.
Interested in how we can serve you and your loved one? We urge you to explore our senior living options, including our Assisted Living program!
