Whether you’ve been wondering if you might enjoy the freedom from household responsibilities that independent living offers, or an older loved one would benefit from a more supportive lifestyle, it’s good to know what care options are available in today’s senior living communities—and which might be the best fit for your needs.
Care options offered by senior living communities
Senior living communities may offer any or all of the following care options:
Independent living
This option is a good fit for anyone interested in continuing their retirement in a lively, wellness-oriented environment that promotes independence and offers countless opportunities for making friends, having fun, exploring new adventures, and pursuing healthy aging. Residents are free to come and go and enjoy the newfound freedom that comes from no more home upkeep or daily tasks.
Hospitality is key. Chef-prepared meals and a variety of dining options make dining a pleasure. Senior-driven exercise and wellness programs, such as Wellness Matters at St. Mark Village, inspire residents to work on strength, balance and an overall healthy approach to life. Health and wellness are top priority in today’s senior living communities, and independent living offers you easy access to the resources you need.
Perks of independent living can include a range of accommodations; convenient services such as housekeeping, transportation, and more; restaurant-style dining; a full activity calendar; and amenities ranging from a pool to a library to outdoor patios to much more.
Assisted living
An important choice among the care options offered at senior living communities, assisted living can be the best of both worlds—a helping hand when you need it, independence when you don’t. At assisted living at St. Mark Village, each individual receives personalized attention that reflects their level of needs and their preferences. Residents receive (as needed) assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, medication management while also having access to the amenities, services, and vibrant ambiance of senior living communities.
Choosing assisted living gives the peace of mind that someone is always close by if needed. It also frees you to participate in fun activities, dine with others, go on special outings, learn new hobbies, invite your family over, and much more—all without the worries of taking care of a home or planning and preparing daily meals. Instead, you benefit from a lifestyle centered on your needs, your safety, and your satisfaction.
Download our free guide:
Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit.
Memory care
Among the care options in senior living communities, memory care is specifically designed to provide 24-hour care for those with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. Other benefits include safety, nutrition, and professional support, as well as activities and programs that provide mental stimulation and interaction.
Memory care staff members are specially trained to build close bonds with residents, helping reduce their confusion and frustration by gently guiding them throughout the day in activities that have relevance to them. This comforting environment of memory care not only can calm a person, it gives them a sense of familiarity.
You want your loved one with cognitive impairment to have the very best attention. That’s what you’ll find at Michael Bilirakis Memory Care at St. Mark Village. Our goal is to help each memory care resident maximize their capabilities so they can have a satisfying sense of achievement.
Skilled nursing
Skilled nursing care is provided by trained registered nurses in a medical setting under a doctor’s supervision. Patients may go from the hospital to skilled nursing in senior living communities to continue recovering after an illness, injury or surgery. In addition to skilled nursing, care may include rehabilitative services from licensed physical, occupational or speech therapists.
Residents receiving skilled nursing in senior living communities benefit from 24-hour health monitoring and medication management as well as access to exercise programs, social activities, nutritious dining, and services such as transportation and housekeeping.
At St. Mark Village, our Village Skilled Nursing Care Center has both a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and a Bronze Commitment to Quality Award for dedication to improving the lives of our residents through quality care.
Respite care
Respite care offers family caregivers temporary relief from the demands of caregiving. Those receiving respite care in senior living communities benefit from an atmosphere of safety, wellness and personal attention while giving their caregivers a much-needed break. Personalized activities are based on individual interests to keep each resident engaged.
Respite care is typically available as needed or on a recurring weekly or monthly basis in senior living communities.
About care options in Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) – also called life plan communities – offer a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. According to AARP, the chief benefit of CCRCs is that they provide a wide range of care, services and activities in one place, offering residents a sense of stability and familiarity as their abilities or health conditions change.
With the continuum of care offered at St. Mark Village, you have an outstanding plan for your future, while protecting you from rising health care costs. That’s due to our Life Care Promise:
if you come into our community through independent living, you will receive the care you need for as long as you need it, even if your financial situation should change. Having seamless access to future care options means true peace of mind.
Make the choice that is right for you. Download our free guide: Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
