Many senior living communities today offer different levels of care to meet the changing needs of residents. If you’re starting the search for a community, you may hear terms like independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.
If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, it can be challenging to determine what level of care is right for you or your loved one. Find the definitions for common care services and examples of each in this blog curated by Golden Bell Senior Living.
Common Care Options in Senior Living Communities
Some communities offer one level of care, while others provide a full continuum of care services. It’s important to consider how your health needs may change in the future, even if you’re currently independent.
Knowing you won’t have to search for a new community for additional services can provide peace of mind. You’ll be able to stay close to your friends and familiar staff and surroundings.
Download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
Here are a few of the most common care options you’ll find in senior living today:
Independent Living
Independent living is ideal for active seniors who require minimal or no assistance with daily tasks. You might seek a vibrant social community without the hassle of chores and home maintenance.
If you need on-site medical care or have serious health issues, you may want to consider assisted living or skilled nursing care.
Independent living is a great way for older adults to live a fulfilling life with supportive services available if they need them.
You can expect the following services and amenities in independent living:
- Cottages, homes, condominiums, or apartments
- Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- Social opportunities, including activities, clubs, and special events
- Numerous amenities, including a pool, fitness center, library, concierge, and on-site beauty and barber salon
Related: Find Comfort and Convenience in Today’s Senior Living Communities >>
Assisted Living
Assisted living provides housing, on-site care, and support with activities of daily living while helping residents maintain their independence and enjoy an engaging, purposeful life.
Some assisted living communities provide memory support for residents in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. However, a specialized memory care community may be a better choice if your loved one needs round-the-clock care.
You can expect the following services and amenities in assisted living:
- Studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments
- Personalized care assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management
- Full-service dining team that provides three chef-prepared meals each day and accommodates special diets
- Housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- 24-hour supervision and security
- Social opportunities, including daily activities, outings, and programs
- Numerous amenities, including a pool, fitness center, library, and on-site beauty and barber salon
Related: See How Senior Living Provides Safety and Security >>
Memory Care
A specialized memory care community is designed to nurture and support those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care provides a safe, secure environment where your loved one can move freely and engage in meaningful activities and therapeutic programming.
You can expect the following services and amenities in memory care:
- Private or semi-private suites with baths
- Specially trained staff
- 24-hour supervision
- Scheduled transportation services
- Easy-to-navigate layouts
- Therapy, structured activities, and programs with social opportunities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- On-site beauty and barber salon
- Emergency call systems and health monitoring
- Full-service dining team that provides three chef-prepared meals each day and accommodates special diets
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing offers 24-hour supervised care by an interdisciplinary team, including a licensed physician, an on-site nurse, nursing aides, a social worker, and a therapy team.
This environment is best for those with chronic health conditions or incontinence, who require dispensing and monitoring intravenous medications, or who are recovering after surgery or hospitalization.
You can expect the following services and amenities in skilled nursing:
- Private or semi-private suites with baths
- Round-the-clock care and assistance with daily living
- Health monitoring and medication management
- Exercise programs, social opportunities, and activities
- Scheduled transportation services
- Full-service dining team that provides three chef-prepared meals each day and accommodates special diets
- Housekeeping and laundry services
Related: See What Levels of Care Golden Bell Senior Living Offers >>
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Ultimately, you want to ensure your loved one is safe and their daily needs are met. It’s important to prioritize their overall well-being so they experience a high quality of life while maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living, family-owned for over five decades, offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
