Families often turn to a senior living community when they realize the help their loved one requires is becoming more than they can provide. However, they may be unfamiliar with the different senior living community types available – and how the right one can make all the difference.
If you’re uncertain of the lifestyle and care options offered by senior living communities, the following descriptions and overview will help.
The lifestyle and care options commonly found in senior living communities
There are generally four types of senior living communities. The following summary highlights the unique differences of each level of care:
Independent living
Independent living communities do not offer care, but a certain retirement lifestyle. Residents are typically looking for age-friendly residences and an active and engaged life that is also maintenance-free.
Private residences in a variety of floorplan choices can easily become the ideal retirement home where residents will enjoy on-site access to activities, social events, healthy dining and opportunities to meet and make new friends. Independent living also offers fitness classes, security and safety features, as well as scheduled transportation. Apartments feature modern kitchens and appliances.
Assisted living
These senior living communities also provide private residences that can be personalized to make them home. They are accessible and offer different layouts and a kitchenette, but usually won’t include a full-sized kitchen.
Residents have access to all of the amenities of the community, including healthy dining and activities, but also will receive assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming and dressing. By receiving a helping hand, many residents enjoy time again with families that is no longer needed for caregiving.
Memory care
Families of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and receiving care at home might begin to recognize that many needs are exceeding what can be provided by the primary caregiver. As a progressive disease, the care requirements will also continue to increase.
Memory care communities provide a safe environment that minimizes frustration levels, confusion and anxiety. Color coded hallways and personalizing a resident’s door can help with familiarity and orientation in their surroundings. Exits are secured and monitored to remove the risk of wandering and becoming lost. Outdoor areas are also secured so residents can go out when they wish but remain safe.
Skilled nursing
Residents that make their home in a skilled nursing community are no longer able to care for themselves alone. These senior living communities offer the highest level of care options available, below a hospital.
Based on a medical model, these communities typically offer private or semi-private rooms or small suites. Care can be accessed around-the-clock. Residents are often living with one or more chronic conditions, mobility issues or frailty. Medical care, assistance with personal tasks, healthy meals, activities and opportunities for social interaction are provided.
Respite care: a short-term care option
Senior living communities may also provide care services so that arrangements can be made for primary caregivers to take care of personal needs, travel, attend family functions or take a well-earned break.
Assisted living or skilled nursing communities may provide this senior living care option on a short-term basis that reassures families their loved ones are being well cared for.
Life plan or rental communities?
Another decision to make when considering senior living might be whether to choose a rental or life plan community structure. The differences are briefly outlined below:
A life plan or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) requires an entrance fee and monthly charges when residents move into independent living. The entrance fee secures access to a higher level of care if a resident’s health needs change in the future, including care options of assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing, which are typically located in the same building or on campus.
Those who move into a rental senior living community will pay only a security deposit and monthly fee. The fee will include the residence and may also cover the costs of activities, meals, utilities and transportation. If the individual’s health needs change, the choices available would be to bring in outside assistance or to relocate to a community that offers the type of services needed.
Retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
