Levels Of Care For Elderly

Independent, assisted and memory care are the three most popular levels of care for the elderly. What are the other levels and how do they differ from the aforementioned living arrangements?

What Are The Levels Of Care For The Elderly?

There are six different common levels of care for today’s seniors. From in-home care all the way to nursing home care, a detailed look at each level is included below.

1. In-Home Care

Often referred to as “aging in place”, in-home care is intended for seniors who require help in and around their own home. These individuals will need daily check-ins and help with medication/personal care. Yet, these seniors will still possess the mental and physical capabilities to survive on their own.

The in-home care benefits are obvious, including the ability of the senior to stay home in a comfortable environment. This level of care, though, does not tend to last a long time. Seniors receiving in-home care typically move on to either independent or assisted living care shortly thereafter.

2. Independent Living

Independent living is plainly a housing arrangement for seniors who are the age of 55 or older. Housing for seniors will vary in types such as free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, and they are designed to let seniors get around more easily and all landscape and/or maintenance is done for them.

Typically, communities for independent living will offer its residents numerous activities and programs, other services as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other seniors. Independent living may also have community participation in movie nights, arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, and other types of activities.

3. Assisted Living

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee.

4. Respite Care

Perhaps your loved one is a bit apprehensive about transitioning into assisted or independent communities. This is exactly where respite care comes into play. This care is specifically designed for seniors in flux regarding their future care options. Respite care could last anywhere from a month to a full year. Essentially, this care is seen as a test run to gauge what type of care you’ll need in the future.

5. Memory Care

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are very common types of memory loss conditions that will be included in memory care. This is a specialized care that will go through different services that will depend on the severity of the symptoms like requiring secure settings to prevent wandering. Memory care will go well beyond what is normally offered in assisting living. Housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry services are often provided but the level of assistance with daily activities are increased.

When it comes to being able to recognize care challenges for people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, these communities may just provide memory care or for continuing care communities which may provide a neighborhood just for memory care. Often times, it is these communities that will have certain design elements that lower stress for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

6. Nursing Home

This is, without a doubt, the most concentrated living situation for seniors. Nursing home care provides more invasive caregiving than other care alternatives. Any senior who requires frequent hospitalizations, with worsening conditions, should consider nursing home care.

Assisted Living At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.