Different Levels of Living and Care in Retirement
As you’re planning for the future, you’ve probably come across all kinds of research about various levels of living and care to age well. When thinking about your future care, you want to consider all the possibilities of what you want and may need in changing circumstances. That includes deciding if the not-for-profit difference and access to a complete continuum of care is important to you in a senior living community.
Keep in mind that some Medicare and Medicaid plans can cover different services in senior living, so review your plan to see how you will be covered in the following potential levels of living and care in retirement.
Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) programs are designed to bring senior living services to people who choose to age well in their homes. CCAH program services may vary but typically include three components:
- Financial planning to set aside money for future care in your own home or a senior living community.
- Care coordination support from an experienced healthcare professional you can call 24/7 for all your health and wellness needs. Care Coordinators help you navigate the healthcare system to get the services you need when you need them.
- Health and wellness through a personal advocate who will help you maintain an independent lifestyle in your own home.
If you’re a member of a CCAH program and are interested in moving to a senior living community sometime in the future, consider touring communities right away and getting on a waitlist.
Independent living is a residential setting for senior adults who want to continue living an independent life while having access to engaging and supportive amenities, programs, and services. If you’re an active adult interested in social living and experiencing a maintenance-free lifestyle, this is a great option for you.
Assisted living is a residential setting for senior adults who need assistance with activities of daily living to help them maintain as much independence as possible. Residents have peace of mind in a safe and supportive environment as they continue to lead active and engaged lifestyles.
Skilled nursing is a supportive environment that provides comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. In a senior living community, skilled nursing is typically the discharge from the hospital using medicare or insurance benefits for a smooth recovery.
Long-term care is an umbrella term for medical and non-medical services designed to meet a person’s needs when they can no longer perform everyday activities of daily living for long periods. If unexpected medical events, accidents, and decline in health affect your ability to live independently, long-term care is available to help you for however long you may need it.
Memory care is a specialized care designed to address the specific needs of patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia in a secure environment. If a couple requires different levels of care, the senior living community works to support them in maintaining balance with partnership and caregiving for their spouse.
Hospice is compassionate end-of-life care for people facing a terminal illness or injury with a focus on symptom management and quality of life. There are various ways to receive hospice, including routine home care, respite care, general inpatient care, and continuous care. Patients in hospice receive programs and services conducted by an interdisciplinary team of professionals trained to address their physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs, as well as support their family and friends.
Learn more about living a stress-free lifestyle in our free ebook, What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community!
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring you feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.