Understanding the Various Levels

of Senior Care

When dealing with the “Mature Mover”, it helps to have an understanding of the various options available to them. Fortunately, the range of senior care options continues to expand to better meet the care and financial needs of the individuals.

Independent Living: Independent living is for people who can take care of themselves and includes residing in one’s own home or apartment, a retirement community, or independent living apartments.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities or Life Care Communities: These communities are planned and operated to provide a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing. The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care.

Congregate Care: Congregate Care is similar to independent living, but features a community environment, with one or more meals per day prepared and served in a community dining room. Many other services and amenities may be provided such as transportation, pools, convenience store, bank, barber/beauty shop, resident laundry, housekeeping, and security.

Assisted Living: Assisted living provides apartment-style accommodations where services focus on providing assistance with daily living activities. These facilities are designed to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home care, and provide a higher level of services for their residents including meals, housekeeping, medication assistance, laundry, and regular check-ins.

Intermediate Care: Intermediate care is nursing home care for residents needing assistance with activities of daily living, but without significant nursing requirements.

Skilled Nursing: Skilled nursing facilities are traditional nursing facilities that provide 24-hour medical nursing care for people with serious illnesses or disabilities. These facilities are state-licensed and care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aids.