Services and amenities are important when you are deciding where to spend your retirement, but so is the care provided in senior living communities. When you understand what is included in each care option, you can make the choice that best fits your needs and helps you plan for the future.
Independent Living
Freedom is the name of the game here: in independent living, you are free from worries and chores of the past. Instead, you can fill your days with social opportunities, lifelong learning, entertainment, fitness and wellness and just about anything else you can imagine. Services such as transportation, housekeeping and maintenance are provided for you. Amenities can include multiple dining venues, outdoor spaces, a beauty shop and barber salon, game rooms, theater, a swimming pool and more.
You are a good candidate for independent living if you do not need medical assistance or 24/7 care. Residents of independent living enjoy a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle filled with friends, fun and discovery.
Some independent living communities are linked to assisted living communities. Others are simply senior-specific independent housing. The bottom line is independent living in senior living communities can be a great way to experience the joy of this chapter of your life—a carefree retirement.
Assisted Living
If you’d appreciate a helping hand now and then, or you’d just like to have more friends around you and feel more secure, assisted living might be the ideal choice when it comes to care provided in senior living. Rather than around-the-clock care, assisted living fills in care gaps as needed. You can go about your day as you choose, enjoying a comfortable, home-like environment, without the worries of home maintenance. It’s care when you need it, and freedom when you don’t.
Assisted living residents enjoy access to a range of exceptional amenities and can choose from an array of interesting activities and events in which to participate. Services include housekeeping, scheduled transportation, chef-prepared meals, medication support and more.
Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.
Memory and Dementia Care
When your loved one is dealing with cognitive issues and needs care outside of the home, memory care can be an exceptional choice. The most common options are a memory care neighborhood within either a senior living community or an assisted living community, or a stand-alone memory care community. The memory care setting is specifically designed to nurture those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with 24-hour supervised care. Specially trained staff offer individualized support in a safe environment with opportunities for your loved one to find purpose and joy.
The goal is to improve quality of life and help to maintain individuality and independence for as long as possible. A key component in doing that is through enrichment programs that support purposeful and active living. Social engagement is also a focus, so you’ll find numerous opportunities for your loved one to interact as well.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is the most intensive level of care provided in senior living, designed for those who require post-hospital, post-surgical, or more complex around-the-clock nursing care. Supervision includes registered and licensed nurses as well as certified nursing assistants. Residents benefit from individual care plans and services such as housekeeping and laundry, transportation services and more. Social and recreational activities are often available. In addition, residents often have access to on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Respite Care
Through respite care, senior living communities offer family caregivers temporary relief from the demands of caregiving. It’s a good choice for a person who requires assistance with the activities of daily living, or who could benefit from other supportive services. Personalized activities are based on individual interests to keep each resident engaged.
Respite care is usually available as needed or on a recurring weekly or monthly basis. Some states offer grants to help caregivers afford respite care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is defined as one that offers various amenities, services, and levels of care.
In a Life Care CCRC, such as St. Mark Village, the continuum of care begins in independent living. As your needs change, you move to the next level of care you may require (assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing or rehabilitation). It’s an ideal choice for those seniors who desire to live in a vibrant environment where they can savor every moment, with the knowledge that they will receive compassionate quality care provided in senior living, when and if needed.
This arrangement also allows the resident to stay close to their support system should they need to access our continuum of care at any time. Choosing Life Care at St. Mark Village means financial security, value, and the peace of mind of seamless access to future care options. The ultimate benefit of care provided in senior living: genuine peace of mind.
Care Provided in Senior Living: Options Designed for Healthy Aging
With so many options available, you may have questions or simply want to hear more about the benefits of senior living. At St. Mark Village, we are here to help you.
Let us help you find the option that is right for you. Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community or contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
