Our society is very fortunate that we have multiple living options for people as they age. As children move out and the upkeep of a large home, garage and lawn become too much trouble for older adults, they have many choices. It may also be that seniors want more freedom to travel, or simply want to downsize to save expenses.
Independent living, supportive living and assisted living are all possibilities for older Americans, depending on the level of care they need or want.
Independent Living
Independent living provides residents with minimal, if any, assistance. They live in a residential apartment and live mostly autonomously. These apartments are part of a larger community where services such as snow removal, general upkeep and lawn care are taken care of by a maintenance crew.
Depending on the amenities of a particular location, and if they are located on a campus that has other care services, there may be some access to medical care as needed. Some independent living communities are little more than zero-maintenance apartments. But for a senior who no longer can or wants to deal with the upkeep of a home, independent living can be the right choice.
Independent living communities located on a campus with other care services often have a “continuum of care” model available for residents. For instance, if a resident suffered a fall and needed therapy, they may need to spend time doing therapy at a skilled nursing facility before they can return to their apartment.
Assisted Living and Supportive Living
Assisted living and supportive living are for seniors who do need some kind of medical care or assistance with daily living tasks. This is the step between living independently and a skilled nursing facility. Assisted and supportive living offers the same services, the difference is only in what payment types are accepted. (Supportive living communities accept Medicaid, while assisted living ones do not.)
Assisted and supportive living both provides 24-hour wellness support from a team of RNs, LPNs and CNAs. Residents can receive assistance with daily activities like dressing and grooming, as well as medication management. Housekeeping and laundry services, transportation and meals are usually included.
An assessment to determine the level of care a person needs is generally part of the admissions process. This evaluation will help caregivers know how much care a resident will need. Their personal preferences are also an important part of the process.
In addition, assisted and supportive living communities also provide social programming, events and lifestyle enrichment programs. The purpose of these programs is to provide choices and options for seniors to live vibrant, fulfilled lives during this new phase of their life.
Memory Care Services
Some assisted and supportive living communities also provide Alzheimer’s or memory care services. These are typically for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors who are not yet in need of full-time skilled nursing for this disease, a specialized assisted or supportive living community could be the right choice.
Learn more by visiting our website: www.EvergreenSLC.com.
