Senior Care Options

Choosing between the different senior living and care options can be difficult. Whether you are planning ahead to avoid problems or trying to find an option to suit immediate needs, you probably need help trying to find the best solution for your aging loved ones changing care needs. This article will explore the different senior care options to help make your decision a little easier.

Finding the Right Facility

Choosing the right care options can be tricky, but one thing that helps is finding somewhere that offers multiple different care options to suit different needs. This way you can talk through the different options and even visit the different facilities. McKnight Place St Louis offers multiple options, including assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, as well as skilled nursing facilities, and the staff are just as committed to providing the right care for your loved one as you are. Talking to those who run facilities can help you make a decision. However, knowing the difference before you head to a meeting could help streamline the process whether you choose this facility or another.

This is what you need to know about the differences between all the senior living options that exist in the US.

Independent Living Communities

Often called retirement homes, senior housing, or senior apartments, these living arrangements can be apartments or houses. They are usually already fully equipped and easy to navigate. They range in extravagance; some provide just the basics, whereas others offer a wide range of social activities and restaurant-quality dining.

These communities are perfect for seniors who are almost fully independent (aside from minor medical needs), like to socialize, and are looking to downsize from their family home but aren’t yet ready for assisted living.

Assisted Living Communities

These communities allow residents to live in private apartments, private rooms or share with a roommate. They usually provide meal preparation and housekeeping services (such as cleaning and laundry) as well as assistance with other daily tasks. Some facilities are modest while others are luxuriously designed. They also offer regular social events and different activities to suit a range of interests.

Assisted living facilities are perfect for seniors who would feel safer with 24-hour emergency response, who may not be able to continue living independently at home, but who are also not ready to move into a nursing home.

Nursing Homes

Also known as skilled nursing or long-term care, these facilities accommodate the highest level of care. They offer both private and shared rooms. They usually offer scheduled activities and meals that are served in a communal dining area or in the resident’s room.

Skilled nursing homes are perfect for seniors who need temporary or long-term medical care for an injury or illness, alongside assistance with daily living activities.

Memory Care

Also known as dementia care or memory support, these facilities specialize in caring for people with dementia-related illnesses. They usually allow residents to live in private or semi-private apartments, but these areas are fully secured to avoid wandering, falls, and other issues. They provide structured activities which are delivered by trained professionals who are equipped to deal with the common side effects of dementia such as anger and confusion.

These communities are perfect for seniors who have memory problems and require specialized care needs, require specialized dementia care, and need engaging activities and personalized routines.

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