Understanding Levels of Care
As seniors age and begin to need more care, they may become overwhelmed by the choices that a simple Internet search on senior care can give them. Results can include multiple home health care services, senior living communities and adult day services. With all of these options and results, it is easy to become confused about the different types of senior care and the levels of care that they include. This, mixed with the misconceptions of senior living, can make for a stressful time trying to figure out where you or a loved one would fit the best. While it can be difficult to decipher the levels of care, it doesn’t have to be. A simple breakdown of care options can help you or a loved one better understand the differences and find the best fit.
According to Peggy O’Neill, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lions Gate, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Voorhees, New Jersey, many things matter in the search for where you or a senior loved one will live. Levels of care being one of the biggest. “When searching for senior living options, a lot of things come into play,” says Peggy. “One of the biggest things that seniors look for is a place where they can receive all of the levels of care that are needed without needing to move to a new community with each changing level of care that is required over time. As health and care needs change, depending on where they are, seniors may need to move in order to obtain the amount of care that is now needed. When searching, it is important to ask ahead of time what the levels of care are and what level of assistance is included with each so as to avoid the stress and frustration of needing to move with each changing level of care.”
When long-term care needs arise, there are many choices for seniors to consider that are not one-size-fits-all, according to an article on Medicare’s website about long-term care choices. It is important to consider each care option and get as much information as possible about them.
LEVELS OF CARE EXPLAINED
- Independent Living. Seniors who live in an Independent Living community enjoy an active lifestyle without the worries of home ownership. These seniors enjoy multiple programs, activities and events while never having to worry about housekeeping, home maintenance or cooking meals every day. Plus, some Independent Living communities offer higher levels of care on the same campus, should health needs change. Seniors in Independent Living have total freedom without needing much care, if any at all.
- Home Care. If seniors only need limited care but have the ability to remain in their homes, Home Care is an option. Seniors who take advantage of Home Care often receive help with activities such as laundry, shopping and cooking. For those who need more care but are still able to stay at home, home healthcare agencies may be able to help with nursing needs and medication management.
- Assisted Living. When seniors can no longer live at home or if living at home is not what they would like to continue doing, there are Assisted Living communities. These communities provide seniors with some help with the activities of daily life while still allowing seniors with freedom to do what they please while providing multiple programs and activities which they are encouraged to take part in. In Assisted Living, seniors may need help with activities such as bathing or dressing and some may need medication management services, but otherwise, they live independently. When considering Assisted Living, be sure to ask what care is included and what types of care cost extra, as each community differs.
- Memory Care Assisted Living. For seniors who need memory care because of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, there are Memory Care Assisted Living facilities. These are often specially designed to provide those with memory impairments the freedom and security to live in a safe environment filled with programs and activities tailored to their needs and interests. Those in Memory Care need more support than those in Assisted Living, but still enjoy the benefits that those in Assisted Living do.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities. For seniors who prefer to not move to multiple communities with each change in their level of care, there are Continuing Care Retirement Communities, such as Lions Gate, who provide services in one place. According to the article on Medicare’s website, within Continuing Care Retirement Communities, there might be individual homes or apartments for seniors who are independent, an assisted living facility for seniors who need help with the activities of daily living but are otherwise independent and a skilled nursing facility for those who require more care than those in assisted living. With each level of care that changes, seniors are able to stay within the Continuing Care Retirement Community that they are used to, which can help to make the change less stressful.
For more information regarding levels of care and senior living choices visit the US Department of Health and Human Services’ website for Long-Term Care.
AGE IN PLACE AT LIONS GATE
“At Lions Gate, we are a full-service Continuing Care Retirement Community. Here, you have the peace of mind that you can age in place with our Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing. We also provide Short-Term and Outpatient Rehabilitation services,” says Peggy. “We are here to meet your lifelong care needs in an environment that shares your traditions, values and passion for the things that matter.”
If you would like to learn more about our full-service care continuum, call us at (856) 782-1200 or visit www.lionsgateccrc.org today!
EXPERIENCE LIFESTYLE, CARE, COMMUNITY AND TRADITION AT LIONS GATE.
Lions Gate, located in Voorhees, NJ, offers a continuum of lifestyle and care options rooted in Jewish traditions and values. Whether you are in need of Independent Living,Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Services, Lions Gate has you covered.
Our mission at Lions Gate is to enrich the lives of those we serve through quality and compassionate care consistent with our heritage and values. We strive to provide programs and services that inspire well-being, as well as social, cultural and spiritual independence.
As a full-service community rich in wellness programs, meaningful experiences and educational opportunities from Lions Gate University, Lions Gate allows residents to connect with those who share their interests and cherished traditions. Our goal is to provide residents with an active, worry-free lifestyle filled with ways to connect with others, pursue their passions and be engaged in everyday life. While we focus on Jewish customs and traditions, we welcome people of all faiths to the Lions Gate family.
Through our affiliation with Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service, we also offer three senior living communities for those with limited incomes.
