Jody Carver, Regional Director of Sales | Sep 3, 2020
Transitioning a loved one to a senior community already comes with a range of challenges. The biggest challenge, however, comes when trying to determine what kind of care your loved one is going to need. There are multiple care packages that senior living care facilities offer. Among them are independent living, assisted living, memory care, transitional care, and even long-term care programs. We'll break each one down and explain what level of care is offered within each program.
A Care Program Tailored to Your Needs
When considering which senior living program your loved one needs, it's important to take a moment to think of every last detail about the way your loved one prefers to live. For instance, if your loved one enjoys a certain level of autonomy and doesn't need much assistance, then independent living might be the perfect solution for them.
It's also important to start thinking about the future. Are there any health-related issues that may call for additional care in the future? When deciding which senior community to choose, the most important consideration is the needs of your loved one. With that in mind, here is the list of senior living care programs to consider for your family's needs.
Independent Living
This program provides an environment where seniors have the most independence possible. It's ideal for those who need little to no assistance with tasks associated with daily living. Independent senior living allows residents to benefit from social events and outings while remaining unobtrusive. Additional services like housekeeping and healthcare are able to be added at any time.
Assisted Living
A senior community that provides assisted living is great for seniors who need a balance between living on their own and having nursing staff on hand 24 hours a day. Assisted senior living allows residents to access 24/7 on-site healthcare services like health monitoring and medication management, but also allows them to maintain a high level of independence. The biggest benefit of assisted living is that the transition can be eased into with a few added steps.
Memory Care
Our memory care senior communities offer specially tailored facilities and programs that are designed for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. In addition, for these residents we offer the MUSIC & MEMORY℠ program. This program enables seniors to reconnect to their surrounding world using the effect of music on the brain.
Transitional Care
Often, a health-related issue can surface that puts your loved one in the hospital. After being discharged, a senior may need senior living care that is designated to help their recovery process. Transitional care allows a person to live in a senior community for a short time, while they recover the strength they need to return home. For any older people who may have had an accident or illness, this service is perfect for providing care until they have attained a full recovery.
Long-Term Care
This senior living care is most aptly suited for seniors who need ongoing, 24-hour nursing staff. For those that have chronic illnesses or disabilities, long-term care provides a continuum of medical and social services. Residents in these senior communities often need assistance with things like bathing, dressing, and even getting out of bed. A long-term care facility allows residents to be cared for at all times, while still enjoying the benefits of the facility like social events and outings.
Taking the Next Steps
Understanding the differences between these programs is crucial for making a smooth transition for your loved one. When choosing a program, be sure to pick based on the level of care needed and the amount of independence your senior would like to maintain. Taking the next steps based on these two criteria will make the process much easier for your loved one. Now that you understand the difference between the programs offered by Walker Methodist, the next step is to get in touch and ask questions about our care facilities. From there, you can schedule a tour and talk with your senior about making the move to senior living.
