Kenneth Lam, assistant professor of geriatric medicine, published a study on when people enter assisted living. He wanted to know when their disabilities necessitated the move.
For many, the question goes beyond timing to when to find a capable community for their loved ones. Older adults commonly require differing levels of care as they age.
You may not know what to do if your parent needs added services, like memory care. Choosing somewhere with varying levels of care is convenient.
Transitioning senior care is easier if everything your loved one needs is centralized.
Below are reasons why you should consider communities with various care services. Read on as we discuss the different levels of care and why you should consider a centralized senior community.
Distinguishing Senior Living Levels of Care
We’ll discuss three levels of care for older adults. Each provides progressively more comprehensive senior care.
The first level is independent living, which is like living alone and unaided. The difference is that your parents are in a community for seniors with access to certain services.
Independent living communities offer:
- Low maintenance living
- Easy meal access
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
All these services are often included in the cost of residency. What they don’t offer are care services. Walking aids and medication management aren’t part of the package.
Assisted Living
Assisted living focuses more on socialization and providing personalized care options. Residents receive low-maintenance living, meals, housekeeping, and laundry services.
Seniors are offered assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These include:
- Ambulating
- Walking, moving from beds to chairs, etc.
- Toileting
- Grooming
- Brushing their hair, teeth, etc.
- Bathing
- Medication management
All these services usually come included with residency costs.
Memory Care
People often use assisted living and memory care interchangeably. However, assisted living vs memory care is more accurate, as there are differences.
It may help to think of memory care as having the same format as assisted living but with added services. Residents will still receive:
- Low maintenance housing
- Housekeeping
- Meal access
- Laundry services
- ADL assistance
Seniors in memory care are there for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The goal is to help them regain and retain as much cognitive function as possible.
Because of the specialized care requirements, the staff-to-resident ratio is lower than in assisted living. The added services mean that memory care is generally more expensive.
The Advantages of Choosing a Multi-Care Level Community
A multi-care level community is one where a person’s increasing needs are all met. Put more simply, it combines:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
Some communities may not offer all three services. However, many, like Summerhouse Park Provence, do.
One perk of choosing one of these communities is that transitioning senior care is much less complicated. All care happens in the same location.
You’re not driving to another town or across state lines. Their accommodations are close which reduces time and money spent.
Older Adults and the Stress of Moving
Moving can be physically and emotionally stressful for older adults. Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS) describes the anxiety and loneliness that can result from a move.
Symptoms of RSS can include:
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Stress.
Moving can be especially stressful for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The confusion and emotional upheaval can exacerbate their conditions.
It’s easier on your parent’s physical and emotional health if they stay in their current community. They can stay close to the friends they’ve made.
Your parents may have to work to get to know new people. However, they can keep their sense of belonging while making new friends.
Ensuring Quality Personalized Care Options
Aging in place ensures your loved ones get the same quality of care, regardless of whether they need assisted living or memory care.
Services differ between all three levels of care, but they’re delivered by staff from the same community. People within this organization will be trained to be of the same quality.
Think of it this way: you and your parents have chosen somewhere whose staff you trust. Imagine if you could get those same personalized care options with every increasing level of care.
The caretakers will accommodate all your parents’ needs with the same flexibility as always. Summerhouse Park Provence provides individualized and adaptable care to assisted living and memory care residents.
What to Consider When Choosing Senior Care
There are three things to consider when choosing senior care. The first is team member qualifications, you should find a community with staff that’s:
- Compassionate
- Well-trained
You want people who can provide the level of care your family needs. Ensure everyone has training appropriate for their position.
For example, assisted living staff need to know how to avoid and fix trip hazards. They also need training on how to help residents transfer between wheelchairs, beds, etc.
You should pick a community with stringent safety measures. Memory care definitely requires strict safety because residents can wander.
Independent and assisted living residents deserve to live safely and stress-free as well. It’s also vital the community feels secure.
The final quality should be that the community offers plenty of social activities. Socializing and community activities help keep older adults physically, mentally, and emotionally happy and fulfilled.
Exercise classes, book clubs, and other community events can help your parents meet new friends. You can check the community calendar for events and activities.
Are You Searching for Comprehensive Senior Care?
Choosing a senior community with varying levels of care is largely a matter of convenience, comfort, and assuring your parents’ health.
Transitioning senior care services in a multi-care level community is easier because you stay in place. There’s also less stress involved with the move.
Your parents can stay happy and healthy knowing they’re not leaving their home. SummerHouse Park Provence offers:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
Each level of care accommodates residents’ needs and assures comfortable living with chef-prepared food and a packed activities calendar.
Contact us today to inquire about our community or to schedule a tour. Don’t hesitate to ask about our veteran’s discount program!
