One of the challenges that families and seniors face is figuring out what level of care best suits their needs. Some communities offer multiple levels of care – including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing services.
It can be difficult to assess what level of care is needed, and at the same time, multiple moves between facilities as care needs increase can present unnecessary stress and anxiety for residents and families. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of choosing an assisted living community with both assisted living and memory care.
What Are the Levels of Long-Term Care in the Assisted Living Industry?
Naturally, as people get older, their needs change. When you’re considering moving into an independent living community, it’s important to think about the future, too. Likewise, if you or your loved one is moving into assisted living but has experienced some memory loss, you’d want to consider memory care. Let’s look at the different levels.
Assisted Living Services
This type of residential setting provides elderly adults support with daily tasks who are otherwise in good health. In assisted living communities, staff make life easier with medication management and grooming, bathing and dressing assistance. As you get older, your needs might change, and choosing a community that offers additional care is an investment in a happier future.
Memory Care
Memory care services provide additional enrichment and security for those experiencing memory loss. Seniors with dementia or other memory-related disorders can find moving especially distressing. As such, it’s ideal to keep residents in comfortingly recognizable surroundings, with a familiar private space and lots of familiar faces to help them feel safe and joyful.
Where Does Respite Care Fit In?
Respite care is a short-term solution for families who need a break from providing full-time care to an elderly relative. Not only is elderly respite care available if caregivers need to take a break, but it can also be useful in finding the level of care fit for your loved one. Respite care can also be a good way to try out an assisted living community before making a long-term commitment.
The Many Benefits of an Assisted Living Community With Different Levels of Care
Assisted living residents can benefit from living with memory care residents, and vice versa. Below are more benefits for seniors of selecting an assisted living center with all levels of long-term care.
A Seamless Transition to a New Level of Care
When your loved one moves into an assisted living facility with different living levels, there’s no need to disrupt their life with a large move if their needs happen to change down the road. If anything, having different care levels on the same campus provides peace of mind for everyone involved, knowing that there’s already a plan in place should things take a turn.
Improved Quality of Life
The goal of any good assisted living facility is to help residents maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible. When multiple levels of care are available in one place, it’s easier to achieve this goal.
More Affordable in the Long Run
Opting for an assisted living community with different long-term care levels can actually save you money in the long run. If you were to choose a facility that only offers one level of care and then your loved one’s needs changed, you’d likely have to move them to a new location, incurring additional costs.
Residents Become Like Family Members
In assisted living facilities that provide services at every level of care, seniors can age in place with the added benefit of a community of friends. Over the years, residents develop strong bonds with their peers and caregivers, who are always around to eat a meal or have a chat with.
Assisted Living Facilities Curate Fun, Engaging Everyday Activities
For people with memory loss, regular activities that are customized to their needs can help maintain cognitive function. Staff working in these facilities often have specialist training in dementia care and can provide an enhanced experience at every level.
Most Assisted Living Communities Provide Excellent Food
Another great advantage of living in a community with every level of care is the food. The cooks get to know your tastes and preferences, and you enjoy your favorite meals each week. Moving from place to place means you’ll have to keep getting used to a different menu and cooking style.
Greater Peace of Mind for Families
As we mentioned before, families often worry about what will happen to their elderly relatives when they can no longer care for them at home. Choosing an assisted living facility with different levels of care can help ease these fears and provide greater peace of mind.
A Compassionate Community That Supports Seniors for Life
For a family member, fatigue can set in after a long time of caring for a loved one. Helping them move into senior living may improve the relationship for both of you as you’ll be able to spend time together without the pressure of caregiving and focus on enjoying each other’s company.
If you’re ready to tour a facility that offers assisted living and memory care, get in touch with Catered Living at Ocean Pines today at (410) 208-1000.
