As a senior or a senior caretaker, you might be wondering: just what, exactly, is an assisted living community? If you’re considering senior living options for you or your loved one, different care levels and types of communities can be confusing. You’ll want to make sure you are aware of all of the great options and opportunities you have when it comes to senior living. So let’s find out what it means to be an assisted living community!
Assisted Living vs Independent Living
When it comes to senior living, you have a few options. The main types of communities include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The types of communities are mainly defined by the level of care they offer.
Assisted living communities are much like independent senior living communities, where you have your own apartment and as much independence as you’d like. However, in assisted living, you also have more help from qualified staff members, doctors, and nurses. You (or your senior loved one) may benefit from assisted living if you:
- Need help bathing or dressing
- Take medications that require monitoring and/or adjustment
- Have mobility challenges
- Want or need help with housekeeping, laundry, and other maintenance tasks
- Have difficulties with eating or making meals
- Have had a recent fall
- Have predictable and stable health needs
- Have other daily needs
Most people who choose assisted living need help with one or more daily tasks.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care or Skilled Nursing
Memory care communities are specifically designed for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other types of significant memory loss. If you or your loved one is suffering from a memory disorder, memory care communities will serve you better than assisted living in most cases.
Skilled nursing communities are intended for those with recent severe injuries, hospital stays, or extensive medical needs that can only be provided by licensed professionals.
In contrast, assisted living communities are designed for those whose healthcare needs are stable and predictable. People in assisted living might need help with treatment for conditions like diabetes, sleep issues, arthritis, asthma, vision loss, osteoporosis, or other stable and manageable health conditions.
If you think assisted living might be right for you, contact a community near you today. Stellar Living’s Family Advisors are waiting to help you make this important decision and find the care that is best for you or your loved one. Contact us today!
