Basic Definitions: Levels Of Care

Independent-Senior Living:

Also known as retirement living, independent living communities provide housing for seniors who don’t need assistance.

Offered as studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments (some areas are larger), which include safety features such as grab bars in the bathrooms, and emergency pull cords and/or intercom system.  Services typically include: meals, housekeeping, planned recreational and social activities, shuttles to stores, doctors offices.  Some communities have a beauty or barber shop and other amenities.  Keeping seniors active is the “key” in independent senior living facilities. 

Assisted Living- RCFE:

Assisted Living communities are for seniors who don’t need skilled medical care, but do need help with certain activities of daily living.  Such as, bathing and dressing.  Assisted living can also offer some supervision for forgetfulness and short-term memory loss.  Most states have licensing requirements for assisted living communities.

Assisted living communities vary widely in size, from a dozen or so residents to hundreds.  They typically provide private apartments or private and semi-private rooms, common areas for socializing and recreation, planned activities, three meals and snacks and 24 hour staffing. 

The activities and common areas provide social contact that can help many seniors avoid isolation and depression.  To meet individual seniors’ needs, these communities also offer some personalized support services, such as meals brought to a person’s room when ill, shuttles for errands, housekeeping and laundry service, as well as emergency monitoring systems.

Assisted Living Homes:

Some seniors who need assisted living services prefer smaller or more personalized options, this would be a as in a Board-and-Care home.  Board-and-Care homes usually provide room meals and some supervision but no nursing care.  They may offer recreational and social activities for residents as well as assistance with personal care, similar to the assisted living communities.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia:

Very similar to both assisted living and Board-and-Care, however they are structured for memory impaired seniors who cannot normally take care of themselves.  The usually provide constant supervision, help with activities of daily living, personalized care and additionally giving residents as much mental and memory stimulation as possible.

Well designed communities are staffed with professionals, trained to care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.  It’s always a good idea to talk to the loved one’s medical doctor and/or attorney.

Skilled Nursing:

Skilled nursing provides comprehensive care for people with medical needs that require attention by a licensed nurse.  Although most seniors and families view nursing home care as a last resort, these facilities may be the best choice for individuals requiring multiple types of services.

Along with providing 24-hour care, dietitians, rehabilitation therapists and other health professionals who all work to support and sustain senior’s physical and emotional well-being.  Physicians’ follow-up care to residents and visit regularly.

It can be a wise decision to “visit” any facility at different times and days of the week, to see “behind the scene” of the care facility you might be considering for your loved one.  Don’t make an appointment, just show up unexpected that way, nothing can be “staged”.  Always seek the advice of your family doctor and other trusted advisors first.  Do your research before placing a loved one in any facility!

Additional Services:

Day Care Centers:

Another wonderful tool when keeping someone in their own home!  Services are typically social and recreational activities. A meal or two will usually be included or a “pot-luck”. 

Home Health Agencies:

Agencies that provide in-home services, such as therapy, dispensing medications, giving insulin shots and /or non-medical services, such as companion care.