It may be challenging and intimidating to select the best care for you or your loved one. When it comes to senior care, there can be so many terminologies that may seem the same, and yet, can represent very different things. Not to worry, we got your back. Read on for these 4 basic terms about senior care centers that you need to know about.
Assisted Living
One of the most common terms you will come across is “assisted living”. But what exactly is assisted living? Assisted Living is a wonderful living arrangement in which you or your loved ones may get support with daily living duties in a secure and home-like setting.
What distinguishes assisted living is the promotion of freedom and a certain amount of privacy for its community members, while guaranteeing tailored assistance is provided as required. For example, team members can help you or your family members with bathing, housekeeping and even, medication monitoring.
Your loved ones may also enjoy the community’s many amenities and features, which can include an active lifestyle with lots of entertainment, dining, recreation, and transportation choices.
Independent Living
Another term you are likely to see is “independent living”. Sometimes also known as “independent senior living”, is a great option if you or your loved ones prefer to live independently, and at the same time, benefit from the various senior community amenities.
For instance, benefiting from a low maintenance lifestyle, a better and more enjoyable social life, to perhaps, the various fun and engaging activities and events in place. Furthermore, by transitioning to independent living, you or your loved ones may join a community of similar people of comparable ages and interests.
With that said, independent living communities tend to charge just for the additional amenities and services you or your loved ones use at the time, not for the medical services or care provided by a personal care or assisted living community.
Memory Care
“Memory care” is another common term used in regard to senior care centers. Memory care communities tend to provide accommodation and 24-hour care for you or your loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other kinds of memory-related loss.
Memory care is also sometimes known as Alzheimer’s care. These memory care communities frequently provide a secure setting for you or your loved ones and have specifically-designed features to best assist those with memory loss. For instance, the reduction in risk of wandering and bewilderment. At the same time, team members are typically trained to help those with memory care in a caring and great way.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community, gives individuals the flexibility of independent living while simultaneously providing the comfort of medical care and personnel on-site.
Life Plan Communities are intended to adapt to the changing requirements of you or your loved ones. Should you or your loved ones opt for CCRC, you can be sure that you will be aided in transitioning from independent living to personal care, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or other senior care alternatives.
The difference between Life Plan Communities and Independent Living Communities is that Life Plan Communities often charge an admission fee as part of the community’s pledge to provide lifetime care.