Senior Living – it is something we don’t often think about until a loved one needs it. What exactly is “Senior Living” and how do I know if it is right for me or my loved one?

Senior living is a term that encompasses many things, and yet is really quite simple: it is a place where seniors live. This can range from a senior apartment to a skilled nursing community. Here we will discuss these different Senior Living options to help equip you with knowledge to decide which is best for you or your loved one.

Our first type of Senior Living is the Senior Apartment. This type of Senior Living is usually an age restricted (typically 55+) community and is for those who are independent and able to care for themselves. It is similar to a normal apartment and there are no additional services such as transportation or meals, those amenities are found in other types of Senior Living.

Independent Living is, like a Senior Apartment, for seniors who are able to care for themselves. There are also a few more amenities included with Independent Living. First, there’s the option to have meals in a dining room and participate in activities within the community. On occasion, you may find Independent Living as a standalone community, or as a part of a larger community that also offers Assisted Living and/or Memory Care.

This brings us to the third type of Senior Living, Assisted Living. Assisted Living is appropriate for seniors who can no longer live independently and require assistance day to day. This assistance can include (but is not limited to) help with bathing, dressing, medications, and eating.  You may only need assistance with one activity or multiple activities.  Assisted Living communities allow for seniors to get the assistance they need while still being as independent as possible while enjoying life. Amenities in Assisted Living Communities typically include three meals a day, engaging activities, and fun outings in the local community.

Next up is Memory Care. Memory Care communities serve residents who have Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. These communities are equipped to handle the special assistance that residents with dementia often require while preserving their quality of life. This often includes those with later stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, or those who are prone to leaving their home and wandering. Just because a resident is in Memory Care doesn’t mean they lose the fun in their life. Activities departments plan appropriate (and fun) activities, as well as outings.

Finally, there is Skilled Nursing Facilities. Skilled Nursing provides a higher level of nursing care and services that are not able to be provided in Assisted Living communities. These services often include wound care and IV therapy. Skilled Nursing Facilities can also provide rehab care and physical therapy after a hospital stay or injury.

We hope you have been able to gain clarity on the different types of Senior Living available and that this helps determine which might be the best for you or your loved one.

If you or your loved one is looking for a community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care in Lake Wylie, South Carolina call us at (843) 305-7377 to get more details on how a senior living community like ours might just be a perfect fit.

If you or your loved one is looking for a community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care in Yorktown, Virginia call us at (757) 798-8739 to get more details on how a senior living community like ours might just be a perfect fit.