Assisted Living
Assisted Living provides a safe, caring and impactful way for seniors to continue to maximize their independence while also receiving the assistance that they need with daily tasks. Assisted living can take on many different forms, from high levels of independent living to more purposful and specialized care. Read more about different assisted living options below:
What is Congregate Care?
Congregate Living (which is also known as residential care, custodial care or support housing) is a wonderful solution for individuals looking to combine independent living and privacy with round-the-clock supervision and support. Most congregate living facilities offer fully-equipped apartments for independent living combined with common areas for community engagement. Congregate living typically provide services such as cleaning and laundry service as well as transportation to medical appointments, shopping and social activities. Meals are often served in common areas and included as part of the monthly rent, and there is a staff person always available to check on the well-being of the residents.
Typically Congregate Living residences have entry criteria for age and abilities as well as rule for when someone must transfer from the facility (if, for example, they need more care than what the facility can provide).
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is one step up from congregate living in terms of the care and services provided. Assisted living facilities are a great fit for people who are mobile and do not need nursing care, but are not in a position to live on their own. Assisted living facilities often provide a wide range of services and care options including:
- Laundry and cleaning services
- Transportation
- Personal Care
- Shopping
- Exercise classes (typically seated)
- Help with medications
- Activities (social/ religious/ educational)
- 3 meals per day
Many people ask the question: How will I know if assisted living is best suited for my family member? Some key signs that you or a loved one might benefit from this type of living option are:
- Declining personal hygiene (e.g. not bathing, wearing the same clothes days in a row, or sleeping in one's clothes)
- Response to questions about their well-being is passive
- A once previously maintained neat and clean home is now cluttered or dirty
- Relaince on take-out for meals, or not eating
- Showing signs of lethargy, fatigue or forgetfulness
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC):
Continuing Care Retirement Communities can be a wonderful option for someone who does not want to move as the level of care needed changes. These living communities offer increasing levels of care in one location as the needs of the resident changes.
These communities also provide residents choices in different housing environments, services offered and level of care, as well as the certainty and security of knowing they will be taken care of through all stages of health and aging.
As noted above, because residents can often choose the living style and level of service they want, CCRC's typically provide different cost models.