Please contact me to receive a FREE special report on Senior Housing titled, "The 12 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Senior Housing".
The following are brief definitions of the levels of care available to Seniors:
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 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, etc. Some communities have a beauty/barber shop and other amenities. Keeping Seniors acitve is the key here.
ASSISTED LIVING
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 ten residents to hundreds. They typically provide private apartments or private and semiprivate 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 and emergency monitoring systems.
ASSISTED LIVING HOMES
Some Seniors who need Assisted Living services prefer smaller or more personalized options, such as a Board and Care home. These are homes in a residential area that 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
Theses facilities are very similar to both Assisted Living and Board and Care homes, but they are structured for memory-impaired Seniors who cannot normally take care of themsleves. They provide constant supervision, help with activities of daily living, personalized care and additionally give 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.
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 by the best choice for individuals requiring multiple types of services.
Along with providing 24-hour care, dietitians, rehabilitaion therapists and other health care professionals work to support and sustain Seniors' physical and emotional well-being. Physicians follow residents to skilled nursing homes and visit regularly.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Day Care Centers - Another wonderful tool when keeping someone in their own home. Services are typically activities recreational and social. A meal or two may also be included.
Home Health Agencies - A good service when keeping someone in their own home and/or addition to services currently rendered by Independent Living and/or Assisted Living. There are agencies available for medical and non-medical services such as companion care.
Please view my next section titled SENIORS RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES for a list of local and regional housing alternatives.
Please feel free to contact me at 310-703-1905.
I work with Seniors on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which includes Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates, as well as the South Bay cities of Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Lomita and San Pedro.
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