Understanding Levels of Care in Senior Living Communities
Aging brings with it some special and memorable things, like meeting your first grandchild or spending your retirement party thinking about what quirky new hobby you might want to try. But aging also brings some other questions, like your health and how to handle your personal care.
It's not always easy to figure out what levels of care support you might need if you are considering a senior living community. That's why we've put together this article to outline some of the choices available and how to decide which one is right for you.
Senior Living: Different Levels of Care
All seniors have unique needs, which is why different senior care options exist. There are three types of care that you might see in a senior living community: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Here is an overview of what each offers:
Senior Independent Living in Springfield, MO: For Active Seniors
Independent living is for seniors who don't need care support but want to benefit from the social aspect of being part of a community. It gives seniors a number of advantages, such as:
- Maintenance-free living
- Housekeeping
- Pristine, spacious communal areas
- Access to amenities on-site
- Dining on site
- Access to a selection of activities
- Group outings
- Safe, modern, accessible buildings
In other words, it allows seniors to enjoy the best of both worlds. They can experience life in a community, like socializing and fitness, without the burdens of cooking, fixing broken taps, or yard work. So it's a great opportunity to relax and enjoy retirement.
Furthermore, because there is a team of staff on-site, you have peace of mind that there is someone around to help 24/7 in case of an emergency.
Assisted Living in Springfield, MO: Support When It's Needed
Assisted living is the next type of senior community option you'll likely see. Assisted living is for seniors who don't need full-time nursing care but who need help with a few small daily tasks. Examples of support might include:
- Help with getting dressed in the morning for those lacking mobility
- Help with bathing and washing
- Someone to oversee medication management
Like independent living, assisted support also comes with extra help that makes life easy for residents, such as housekeeping. It also allows residents to maintain independence while having access to a community filled with amenities and activities.
So, assisted living residents can dine at the restaurant on-site and not have to worry about planning and cooking each evening.
Memory Care in Springfield, MO: Support for Cognitive Issues
The third type of care option on our list is memory care. As the name implies, this type of senior community is for those who have a diagnosed memory condition like dementia or Alzheimer's.
This specialized support package includes trained staff who can support the residents throughout the day, allowing them to enjoy everything that a senior community has to offer, including group activities, dining, and relaxing communal areas.
Support also includes helping residents plan the structure of their day, as familiarity can be beneficial for those who may face confusion and memory loss. They can participate in activities that help those with cognitive declines, like sensory therapy.
As with assisted living, memory care may also include daily support shaped around the needs of the resident, like bathing and dressing.
Senior memory care gives peace of mind to family, as they know their loved one has the support they need 24/7 and a safe environment in which to relax.
Transitioning to the Next Level of Care
Deciding when you or a loved one transitions to a higher level of care isn't always easy. It's tempting to brush off difficulty as a temporary "bad day," but these can soon start to add up. If you are concerned about how to choose a higher level of care, here are some questions you might ask:
- Do you need help dressing or bathing every day?
- Do you sometimes forget to take your medication?
- Do you find it hard to manage tasks like planning meals?
These questions will help decide if assisted living is the next move. The next set of questions will determine if memory care is a good option:
- Does your loved one sometimes forget their daily routine?
- Has your loved one ever put themselves in danger, such as forgetting that they left a hot tap running
- Does your loved one forget to eat?
- Have you ever found your loved one wandering or disoriented?
As you can see, memory care can help address some of the worries and safety issues associated with cognitive problems. So keep an eye on these and always get an up-to-date diagnosis from their healthcare practitioner.
How to Talk to a Loved One About Care Options
Talking about care options for a loved one can come with challenges and might be an emotional subject for some. However, open and compassionate communication can ensure that the conversation runs smoothly.
Start by listening to what your loved one has to say. Understand their thoughts and any reservations they might have. When talking about care options, go through some of the pros and cons together, covering factors like independence, safety, and quality of life.
Take your time with the decision and visit some senior living communities together with your loved one for a tour.
How to Find the Best Senior Living Community
When searching for the right senior living community, your first priority should be choosing one that's a good match for the level of care you or your loved one needs. So, assess those needs before you begin your research.
When touring communities, pay attention to the aspects that aren't easy to see in a brochure, like staff interactions, community atmosphere, cleanliness, and safety. Think about practical considerations, too, such as distance from family.
Senior Living in Springfield, MO: Choosing the Right Support
When considering care in senior independent living in Springfield, MO, remember to think about your current needs and how they might change in the future.
This is also the perfect opportunity to see a community in person by booking a tour to view our SpringHouse Village senior living community. We've designed the perfect setup, with all three levels of care, each enjoying our wonderful surroundings, generous amenities, and access to our friendly and supportive team.