Understanding the Types of Senior Care & Senior Living Solutions
Posted: 08.17.2015If you’re new to the senior care sector, you may not yet be familiar with the differences between the types of care and living options available to seniors. Below is a list of the most common types of senior care solutions, as well as the typical types of services they offer. Keep in mind that every community is different, so the care and services offered may vary.
Independent Living
Independent living facilities or retirement communities allow a senior to live in their own private apartment or condominium. These are best for active seniors ready to downsize and live in a community with their peers—plus enjoy a few extra perks. While resident in independent communities are active and self-sufficient, many communities offer services and amenities. While each community is different this might include:
- additional security
- 24-hour emergency call system
- options for some or all meals
- housekeeping and laundry
- group activities
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are ideal for seniors who aren’t able to perform all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) solo, but also don’t required skilled care. Residents typically live in their own apartment, and many facilities even allow small pets. The perks of independent communities are most often available, but could also include assistance with:
- bathing and dressing
- meals
- transportation to grocery store and doctor appointments
- medication reminders and management
Memory Care
When a senior develops Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or experiences other types of cognitive decline—it’s often no longer safe for them to live alone. In fact, their need for care may be so advanced that living with family is no longer be the safest option. Memory care facilities are a great solution to this challenge. Not only are the employees trained in management of cognitive decline, but the entire facility is designed to meet the unique needs of seniors no longer able to determine who they are, where they are, or even who their family is.
Rehabilitation
After accident, injury, or illness, short-term rehabilitation often follows discharge from the hospital. The time in the rehab facility is spent participating in the necessary Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy required for recovery. If recovery doesn’t occur in the designated timeframe, a transfer to a skilled nursing facility, or assisted living facility, is sometimes required. Most rehabilitation facilities provide shared living spaces that look somewhat similar to a hospital room.
Nursing Care
Nursing care provides daily or even hourly medical attention and/or more advanced hands-on care for seniors. Most seniors in nursing homes require assistance with most of their ADLs, and some are bedbound. Most nursing homes have shared living spaces with a small space for personal effects and the comforts of home.
Home Healthcare
Just because a senior requires a little extra assistance doesn’t mean they need to move out of their home. Home healthcare can be the saving grace that keeps seniors at home longer or even permanently. A care manager or primary care physician will determine the type of home healthcare required, which often includes any combination of:
- a visiting nurse—weekly, monthly, or as needed
- a Certified Nursing Assistant—daily, weekly, or as needed
- a caregiver to assist with non-medical needs like EX-errands, groceries, trips to the doctor, household chores, bathing, dressing, cooking, feeding
- in-home therapy—physical, speech, occupational, etc.
- phone or video appointments for approved healthcare
Respite Care
Sometimes family caregivers or private home caregivers need time off. Whether for vacation or to recover from burnout, many senior facilities offer short-term stays lasting anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks. This respite care provides the primary caregiver with time to recharge.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a specialized type of care designed to improve comfort and quality of life once treatment options have failed. This is most often reserved for end of life care for seniors or individuals suffering from terminal illness or other advanced health concerns. Hospice can be provided in-home as well as at hospitals or other designated hospice facilities.
Each state has different guidelines for what care can be performed in each type of the senior care and senior living solutions above. Also keep in mind that seniors are not the only ones who may require the types of care, and that each senior facility usually has a handful of younger residents with health concerns.