Levels Of Care For Elderly

From in-home care to assisted living, these are the most common care levels for the elderly today.

What Are The Levels Of Care For The Elderly?

There are six common levels of care for the elderly, including:

In-Home Care
Independent Living
Assisted Living
Respite Care
Memory Care
Nursing Home

Let’s take a look at what care options each level can provide!

In-Home Care

This type of care is designed for seniors who can still live on their own, yet would benefit from some help around the house. Individuals utilizing in-home care usually seek daily check-ins and assistance with any medication or personal needs. These senior citizens will still possess the necessary physical and mental capabilities to survive on their own.

The benefits of in-home care are obvious, as much-needed assistance is provided in a comfortable environment. Typically, in-home care services will not last a long time. Most of the seniors will soon need to transition into independent or assisted living communities.

Independent Living

Independent living in contrast to assisted living is that individuals that still have the ability to live independently will still be able to enjoy being able to access assistance should they need too. Whereas, a lifestyle at an independent living community provides their residents the convenience of accessing medical care, entertainment, a dining area that serves great meals, and so much more…

Seniors can also have peace of mind knowing they will be living an independent lifestyle in a community that offers their residents a safe and secure environment, it will just have a minimal amount of assistance offered. Typically available, housekeeping, laundry, meals, and hospitality may not be included as part of the monthly rental charges.

Assisted Living

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee.

Respite Care

Many seniors are a bit apprehensive about transitioning into either independent or assisted living care. This is where respite care comes into play. Respite care is seen as the middle ground between living at home and entering a new care community.

Respite care is designed for seniors in flux regarding a future living situation. This type of care can last anywhere from one month to one year.

Memory Care

Memory care communities will differ considerably from assisted living communities. The residents in memory care communities have serious memory-related and specific requirements. They might not remember who they are on some days and may get angered walking around spaces that they have lived in but now feel unfamiliar with.

Individuals in memory care units may tend to wander off the campus and can present a danger to themselves and to others, particularly if they get aggressive when they are frustrated.

Nursing Home

For seniors today, nursing home care represents the most concentrated living situation. More than any other senior living community, though, nursing homes provide the most invasive caregiving. Any senior who needs constant supervision or hospital trips, should choose nursing home care.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.