Senior Living Referral Services

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of long-term care geared toward those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia. People who require a higher level of support than what is offered in assisted living, or who have advanced dementia that makes it unsafe to remain at home may find that memory care is their best long-term care option.

While nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled nursing care, memory care communities offer a safe, structured environment that’s specially designed to protect residents against wandering and self-harm. Memory care residents are generally free of any major health concerns aside from Alzheimer’s or dementia, but they can no longer safely live in their own homes.

Services Provided by Memory Care Communities

Each memory care community offers its own unique range of services. Some offer enhanced services including on-site physical, occupational and speech-language therapy, on-site physician’s services and escorts to local medical appointments. Most memory care communities offer the same services found in an assisted living setting such as:

• Some assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, grooming and transferring
• Semi-private or private accommodations in an apartment-style suite
• Daily social and recreational activities, such as fitness classes, organized games, and escorted day trips
• A relatively low staff-to-resident ratio
• In-house medical alert systems
• Three daily meals served restaurant-style, plus snacks and beverages
• Housekeeping, personal laundry and linen services

What is Residential Care?

Residential care communities for the elderly, sometimes referred to as RCFE’s or board and care homes, are responsible for providing assisted living services to residents in a homelike and community setting, allowing them to maintain independence while continuing to receive nursing level of care as needed. Many residential care communities are designed for elderly people who do not need 24-hour nursing care but are unable to live independently. There are various residential care options available, depending on the needs of the individual.

Services Provided by Residential Care Communities

Aside from housing, residential care communities deliver care to senior residents along with assistance with daily living, activities, and general supervision as needed. Plans are custom-tailored to meet the needs of each individual and folded into the medical services provision of special care plans. Some of the ancillary services in a residential care community include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provision and oversight of personal and supportive services
• Assistance with self-administration of medication
• Bathing and grooming
• Provide three meals per day plus snacks
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation or arrangement of transportation
• Activities
• Skilled nursing services as needed

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living communities are for adults, generally ages 55 and older, who don’t need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) but are looking for a living environment that offers additional support, onsite amenities and socializing opportunities and activities. Amenities may include a community pool, clubhouse and planned social activities. In addition to rent, residents of these communities often pay a monthly fee for maintenance (such as landscaping) and utilities (such as cable and internet access).

Services Provided by Independent Living Communities

There are several factors to consider when looking for an independent living community that suits you or your loved one. For some, access to care, such as onsite nurses and transitional care opportunities, are important while others prefer the amenities of a retirement community.

If care offerings are important to you, be sure to look for readily available and reliable in-home medical assistance and an onsite clinic staffed by both physicians and nurse practitioners that provides a full spectrum of treatment, including (but not limited to) physical therapy, podiatry, optometry, audiology and nutrition counseling services. If you’re hoping to benefit from an active community setting and socialize with others, some independent living facilities offer social group activities, including card games, and organized entertainment.