Redefining Retirement

When looking for the right solution for you or someone you love, how can you tell the difference between the options available? Here are a few definitions to help.

• Independent Living – These facilities are designed for those who are able to live without help, but who also want freedom from maintaining their current home and have the desire to live with people of the same age and similar interests.
• Assisted Living – Assisted living communities are developed for those whose medical, memory or aging issues reduce their ability to safely stay in their own home. These residents may still want personal privacy and autonomy, but they need some assistance and care available around the clock. According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, assisted living is defined as “a long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed.”
• Memory Care – Although assisted living communities may have memory care units on the premises, the two types of care are not synonymous. Memory care is a distinct form of long-term skilled nursing that specifically caters to patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care units usually provide 24-hour supervised care within a separate wing or floor of a residential facility.
• Skilled Nursing – These facilities are dedicated to meeting the health needs of residents that require skilled medical professionals, like doctors and nurses, providing services and care on a daily basis.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities – Continuing care retirement communities are facilities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, offering residents a continuum of care. A resident can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC, moving between levels of care as needed.