What Care Is Provided in Senior Living Communities?
Today’s senior living communities typically offer several lifestyle options. The key is not only to make the right choice for you or your loved one today, but also to consider the range of care provided in senior living as needs change in the future.
At LSS Senior Living, we are dedicated to providing resources to help you and your family learn more about all the available options.
Care provided in senior living
Independent living
Independent living offers active seniors the freedom to maintain their independent lifestyle with the convenience, amenities and security of a community setting. This is a great choice for the senior who is presently enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle and requires little daily assistance, with no chronic health issues.
With no more worries of home maintenance or daily chores, independent living residents can enjoy the benefits of an atmosphere focused on lifelong wellness, with activities, fitness opportunities, delicious dining, lifelong learning, abundant opportunities for socializing and much more.
Assisted living
Assisted living offers just the right amount of support for the person who needs an occasional helping hand with the activities of daily living. This can include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and managing medications. It also provides freedom to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle that often includes nutritious dining, fitness and wellness programs, group outings and events, a calendar of activities, and countless opportunities for engaging and connecting with fellow residents, family and friends.
When considering care provided in senior living, assisted living is an excellent choice because it provides the reassurance of a helping hand 24/7 if needed, while providing the freedom to live as independently as possible and enjoy life fully.
Download our free guide,
Just the Facts: A Guide to Assisted Living
Memory care
Memory care is specifically designed to nurture those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with 24-hour supervised care and individualized support. Memory care staff members are specially trained to build close bonds with residents, helping reduce their confusion and frustration by gently guiding them throughout the day in activities that have relevance to them. Building trust and connection is vital in order to help each person find purpose and joy.
A memory care community can be a great source of support for you by partnering with you in your loved one’s care and helping you to better understand dementia’s effect on brain function and behavior. They may even have a support group hosted at the community.
Respite care
Respite care – or respite stays – is a short-term option that provides temporary relief for those who are caring for loved ones. Any adult who suffers from developmental, mental and physical needs is an appropriate candidate for respite care.
Typical scenarios in which a respite care provider can help include
- When time away from caregiver duties is needed due to vacation, personal or business affairs, travel or simply to take a much-needed break
- When patients have completed a hospital stay or rehabilitation but would benefit from added care
- When those who have undergone same-day surgery or other outpatient procedures want a day or two of rest before resuming their daily routines
Those receiving respite care in senior living benefit from an atmosphere of safety, wellness and personal attention. Personalized activities are based on individual interests to keep each resident engaged. Other features include health monitoring and medication management, dining, and a comfortable residence.
Skilled nursing
Skilled nursing is similar to the level of nursing care you would receive in a hospital: 24-hour supervised care, a licensed physician or nurse on site, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapists.
This level of care provided in senior living is ideal for those with chronic health conditions or incontinence, who require dispensing and monitoring intravenous medications and/or who are recovering after a surgery or hospitalization. This can include personal care, assistance with the activities of daily living, wound care, intravenous medications, health care education, special dietary preparations, and short- and long-term rehabilitation.
In skilled nursing you can typically expect
- Comfortable private or semi-private rooms with round-the-clock care and assistance with daily living
- Health monitoring and medication management
- Exercise programs, social opportunities and activities
- Features such as housekeeping, laundry service, three daily meals, onsite beauty salon and transportation
Short-term care is designed for seniors who may be recovering from surgery, hospitalization and/or illness and need rehabilitation or more time before returning home. Long-term care is geared to those who may have chronic conditions requiring specialized or 24/7 support from experienced staff.
Consider your needs carefully and go from there. Visiting senior living communities is an excellent way to get a firsthand look at the care provided in senior living. You also can talk to others who have been through the search process, as well as your physician and experts in senior living.
Senior living, the LSS Senior Living way
At LSS Senior Living, our goal is to offer seniors quality care and comfort in a friendly and warm environment that feels like home. We offer a continuum of services to lend a helping hand when you need them. Find out more about our communities:
LSS Kensington Place
LSS Lutheran Village
LSS The Good Shepherd
Speak to an advisor today. We’re here to help. Learn more about assisted living, download our free guide, Just the Facts: A Guide to Assisted Living.
