Assisted living is a growing residential option for people aged 62 and older. It covers a range of services that allow seniors to continue living at home on their terms while receiving some assistance as needed in day-to-day life. This type of housing is ideal for family members who want to maintain their independence but need help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing medications.
Independent Living
Independent living is the most basic level of care and is generally reserved for those who can care for themselves and do not need help with daily activities. It’s an excellent option for aging family members who want to live independently but still want access to help when needed.
In independent living, residents pay rent by the month or quarter rather than an hourly rate, like in assisted living communities. This means that each resident pays a set monthly price regardless of how many hours you are in her room daily. If you use more time than this amount within the given period (i.e., if you have an overnight guest), additional fees may apply depending on what kind of arrangements were made with team members.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a level of care that offers assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and more. Senior-friendly independent living communities may provide meals, housekeeping services, and transportation for residents who need it.
The state licenses assisted Living homes to ensure they’re safe and meet specific standards for quality care. They are inspected regularly by regulators to make sure they continue to meet those standards.
Memory Care
Memory loss is one of the most common reasons for moving into assisted living. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you may need special care that a senior-friendly independent living community can only provide with a “memory care unit.”
In a memory care unit, residents have 24/7 access to a support care team who can help them with daily tasks such as dressing and bathing. Also included in this level of care are activities explicitly designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease — like music therapy or pet therapy (yes, dogs are allowed!).
Respite/Short-Term Stays
Respite and short-term stays are good options for those who need temporary help with daily activities. Respite care is temporary, while short-term stays can last a few days to weeks.
Respite care is suitable for aging adults who need help with everyday tasks but don’t require around-the-clock medical supervision. Short-term stays are also an option for aging adults hospitalized or recently undergoing surgery and needing a place to recover from their illness or procedure.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is for people who need more than just assisted living. They may need help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, and their caregivers will also be able to monitor their health conditions more closely. Skilled nursing is also often used as a transitional step between hospitalization and other levels of care.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you better understand the levels of care in assisted living. Assisted living can be an excellent option for many people looking for an affordable and safe place to live, but you must know what level of care is right for you and your family.
