For many older adults, there’s a great appeal in creating a life free from sudden changes and upheavals. You’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to packing, moving and resettling. While seniors love their freedom and independence, the desire for a sense of permanence is strong. It’s one of the reasons moving to a senior living community that offers a continuum of care is so desirable.
What Defines a Continuum of Care?
Choosing a community for its location and lifestyle are good starting points, but it’s essential for seniors to look down the road. If the community you’re considering doesn’t have access to higher levels of quality care as you age, you’ll likely be forced to move again to receive it.
In a retirement community that offers a continuum of care, once you become a resident, the health care services, personnel, and living options you may need as you age and experience changes in health are all right on the campus. In other words, the place you call home now can remain your home. You’ll never have to move to access higher levels of care if you ever need them.
What to Look for in a Continuum of Care Community
Not all senior living communities offer a full continuum of care. Some offer only independent living. Others offer some, but not all, of the higher levels of care you might need. Others focus exclusively on long-term care or assisted living, with no option for independent living.
To ensure the community you choose will be a good fit for life and offer all the levels of health services you might need, it’s worth considering a Life Care community like Friendship Village Sunset Hills or Friendship Village Chesterfield, where your health needs and well-being will be fully supported as you age. You can enjoy your current active lifestyle as an Independent Living resident, and if the time comes, you’ll have the option to move to Assisted Living for a little extra help, or into Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living with Memory Care, if needed. You’ll also have the benefit of rehabilitation services right on campus if you need to recover from injury or illness.
As an example, the overview below explains the full contingent of living options and health services you’ll find in a Life Care community like Friendship Village of Sunset Hills or Friendship Village of Chesterfield:
Independent Living – Healthy, self-sufficient, independent seniors can live their best life on their own with no assistance. Apartments and villas are maintenance-free with a wide variety of available services, including dining, housekeeping, transportation, laundry services, lifestyle and wellness programs, and events.
Assisted Living – Seniors who need some assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dining, bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulation, or medication management, can maintain their independence in an apartment or villa with the assistance of aides when and if it’s needed – all while enjoying all the services and amenities available throughout the entire campus.
Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing – If a resident needs a level of care higher than Assisted Living, they can move into Skilled Nursing. Here they’ll have access to round-the-clock health and medical services from a team of nurses and other medical professionals. Inclusivity is encouraged, and residents here can take part in all community events and wellness programs with the help of aides.
Memory Care – If a resident experiences mild to moderate signs of dementia, Memory Care is a part of our continuum of care. In many cases, residents can remain in their current apartment. But in more advanced stages when personal safety becomes an issue, our communities have Assisted Living with Memory Care residences, where those with advanced dementia can receive the support they need in a safe, monitored environment.
Rehabilitation – If you were to have a health setback or need to recover from surgery, Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield both offer on-site rehab. Services typically include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
You Have So Many Reasons to Call Us Home.
If you’re 65, there’s a 70% chance you’ll need some type of long-term care services as you age. Knowing that, it makes a lot of sense to choose a senior living community that can be your home for all time. One that offers the carefree life you want to live now – and the continuum of care you may need in your later years.
In a Life Care community like Friendship Village, you really can have it all – and you’ll never have to worry about moving again in the future. Take time to learn more about our continuum of care and then give us a call. We can answer any questions you might have and, if you like, set up a tour so you can experience our welcoming, vibrant communities firsthand, meet some residents – and have a meal on us!