Three Levels of Senior Care An Overview

When faced with an illness or situation that limits an elderly member of the family’s ability to continue doing day to day activities such as bathing or dressing, the family can go through a difficult, often emotionally stressful time. It’s sometimes hard to imagine asking for the assistance of a community geared towards seniors.

But a senior living community does not have to seem like a place where the elderly member of the family will be removed from the rest and without any opportunity to make friends and bond with others. There are numerous benefits for a senior living community, and different levels of care such as independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Here is a quick look at all three.

Independent Living
According to the 2009 Independent Living Report by ProMatura Group, LLC, research has shown that when an individual becomes a part of an independent living retirement community, they are more likely to make new friends and try new things. Most reported a better life experience than they had expected before becoming a part of the community.

Assisted Living
Assisted living involves residences that typically provide 24-hour supervision. This means that the basics are taken care of: Three meals a day plus snacks in the dining room; arrangements for transportation; health care services; and medication management, to name a few. Assisted lifestyle provides independent rooms and suites for seniors.

Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is for those seniors who need help doing day to day activities. They have 24-hour nursing care, well-balanced meals, and activities.

Many of those entering a senior living community have reported the need for help with daily activities and also having chronic health conditions. Almost 4 in 10 of those in an assisted living facility reported needing help with at least three parts of daily life, with bathing and dressing the most common. And more than 75% reported having at least two of the most common chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or Alzheimer’s disease.

Personal care for seniors is important, as 81% of retirees cite good health as the most important ingredient for happiness. Senior living communities can enable that, as the happiest retirees engage in three to four activities daily. Researching the types of retirement homes is important and finding the right senior living options is also important.