There are many types of senior living communities, and it can be difficult to find where you fit in. The terminology used in the senior living world can be confusing and even a little intimidating. But don’t worry–it’s not as complicated as it sounds. There are five main types of senior living communities, each offering different levels of care. This includes 55+, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehab communities. Hospice also often falls under the umbrella of “senior living.”
Here, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these types of senior living communities. This will help you choose the best types of senior living community for your needs and preferences, now and in the future.
What is a 55+ community?
The term “55+ community” can mean a lot of things. At Stellar, a 55+ community is a resort-style experience with upscale dining, luxury amenities, and fun activities. It’s one of the types of senior living community intended for older adults who don’t need any care. People choose 55+ communities mainly for the lifestyle, friendships, and amenities. It’s like living at your favorite adults-only resort, year-round! These communities typically do not provide on-site assisted living or personal care services. However, many 55+ communities contract with outside companies so you can bring in your own help if needed.
What is an Independent Living community?
Independent living communities are also for adults who don’t currently need help with daily activities. Stellar Independent Living communities have everything you’d expect from a luxury resort, including fine dining, amenities, a vibrant social scene with tons of on- and off-site activities, private transportation, and more. However, unlike most 55+ communities, many independent communities also offer assisted living, either in another building or wing, or within the same apartment. They provide the benefits of a senior community and the ability to age in place, without compromising your independence.
What is an Assisted Living community?
Assisted living communities are types of senior living communities for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (or ADLs). These ADLs typically include daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, mobility, and toileting. Medication management is also offered at most assisted living communities. Stellar Assisted Living communities provide assistance with ADLs, along with the same amenities and activities of an independent living community. This includes restaurant-style dining, amenities like a gym, library, and secure courtyard, private transportation, and 40-50 lively on-and off-site activities every week.
Many assisted living communities offer independent living and assisted living, sometimes available without even moving to a different apartment. These communities sometimes use the term ‘Level 0’ to describe independent living available within an assisted living building
What is a Memory Care community?
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss. Like assisted living communities, memory care communities provide any necessary assistance with activities of daily living. However, they are typically higher in security, and have 24/7 supervision available for residents who need it. Because people with dementia can be prone to wandering, memory care communities include secure internal courtyards and monitored entrances to keep residents safe. They also often have dementia-specific treatments, activities, and therapies.
Stellar Memory Care Communities are luxurious, comfortable, active, and full of warmth, with a hopeful, person-centered approach to memory care. We offer engaging, social activities for memory care residents and ensure every resident feels included.
What is a Skilled Nursing and Rehab community?
Skilled nursing and rehab communities are types of senior living communities for older adults who have advanced medical needs. They provide the most medical care you can receive outside of a hospital. Skilled nursing communities, often called SNFs, were traditionally referred to as “nursing homes”. At Stellar Living, however, a skilled nursing community still feels warm, comfortable, and fun. Skilled nursing care is typically necessary for seniors in advanced stages of chronic illnesses, like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, or those recovering from a serious illness or injury. For people with chronic illnesses and conditions, skilled nursing care is typically a long-term solution.
Sometimes, seniors are transferred from a hospital to a skilled nursing community following a surgery, stroke, heart attack, injury, accident, or other illness. This may be a short-term stay before returning home or to a lower level of care. Many skilled nursing communities also provide short-term rehabilitation services. Rehab is a type of hands-on, short-term therapy provided by physical, speech, and/or occupational therapists to help restore or increase skills and abilities.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is not one of the types of senior living community. Hospice is a holistic type of end-of-life care for people with terminal health conditions. It is typically used for people with a life expectancy of six months or less. It becomes the final option for comfort, health, and dignity when a cure or recovery isn’t possible. The goal is to relieve pain and discomfort, and support a person’s final days with comfort and dignity. A good hospice provider also provides support for the person’s loved ones, as well as their spiritual, emotional, and even financial needs.
Stellar Living partners with Ovation Hospice when possible, to provide heart-led, person-first care that is usually fully funded by Medicare.
What types of senior living communities are right for me or my loved one?
The right type of senior living community depends primarily on the level of care needed. The amount of care available is the main difference between the types of communities. In summary:
- 55+ communities are for seniors who are focused on friendships and the lifestyle benefits of senior living communities. 55+ residents don’t need any care or help with daily life. If you do end up needing care, you will need to move to another type of community, or bring in outside help.
- Independent living communities are also focused on friendships, amenities, and lifestyle. However, they often offer assisted living services within the community. Independent living communities with multiple levels of care are a good option for seniors who want to age in place, without having to move or hire outside help.
- Assisted living communities provide help with activities of daily living, like eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and mobility. At Stellar Living, they also have exciting, fun activities, fine dining, and resort-style amenities.
- Memory care communities provide assisted living services and extra security and supervision for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss. They often also provide more dementia-specific care and services.
- Skilled nursing and rehab care is for seniors with advanced medical or rehabilitation needs. This may include feeding tubes, wound care, IV therapies or complex medications, and more care provided by medical professionals. Rehabilitation is a short-term care plan provided by a trained physical, occupational, or speech therapist. Rehab helps improve physical and mental skills and abilities lost or reduced due to injury, illness, surgery, or other conditions. Many skilled nursing communities also provide in-house rehab care.
Choose the community that meets your needs now, and the level of care you expect to need in the future.
What makes Stellar Living communities special?
Stellar Senior Living is an award-winning, family-owned and operated property management company that specializes in all types of senior living communities. Our focus has always been to help seniors live a Stellar life, no matter what. All Stellar communities provide resort-style amenities, tons of daily fun and engaging activities, and top-quality care. Walk into any Stellar community, and you’ll feel a level of warmth, friendliness, and engagement you just can’t get anywhere else. It feels like being home with your family–and maybe even better.
Don’t settle for a good senior living community. Choose Stellar.
