Assisted Living is considered to be independent living with added services to assist those needing hands-on care. This personalized care may include assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, continence, medication management, transportation and grooming. An assisted living community provides care for those needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), yet wish to remain semi-independent. These communities bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. Residents in assisted living communities aren’t able to live alone, but may not require constant care. Residents are assessed both prior to and upon move-in. This assessment is used to develop an individualized service plan, which is evaluated and updated throughout their stay.

Independent living communities are also known as retirement communities, retirement homes or senior housing. Retirement communities offer a broad range of intellectual, physical and social activities to enhance the enjoyment for seniors that need limited assistance. When a senior chooses an independent living community, he or she has the physical and mental capacity to live independently, but wants companionship from others his/her age. Independent senior living provides socialization, fun activities and stimulation. Most independent living communities have kitchenettes with a countertop, sink, mini fridge and microwave. Some communities offer full kitchens and in-apartment washer/dryers. Some independent living communities won’t let seniors move in if they use a walker or wheelchair, but they’ll allow them to “age in place” and use a walker or wheelchair down the line, should it become necessary. Independent living communities offer specific services and amenities that cater to senior citizens and promote active, healthy lifestyles for the golden years.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be very challenging. We can help you select a memory care community that can provide for your loved one in a secure setting. Residents may live in semi-private apartments or private rooms and have structured activities delivered by staff members trained specifically on caring for those with memory impairment. Activities focused on memory recall from past experiences are usually the staple of activities in these settings. Residents who are appropriate for this setting are usually the residents that are already residing in an assisted living environment who has begun forgetting how to perform daily activities of living or who have been getting lost, wandering or going in other people’s rooms thinking it was their own. Memory care offers 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management for residents.