If you’re a baby boomer, chances are you’ve been planning for your sunset years for sometimes now. You’ll be pleased to learn that senior living has advanced considerably over the years to include many new options. As you grow older, you’ll naturally become more curious about senior care services. Some of the questions you’ll ask regularly include:
- What particular services will I require as I gradually advance in age?
- Which senior community best serves my needs?
To answer these questions, let’s learn more about Life Plan Communities.
About Life Plan Communities
Life Plan Communities, also referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offer you various types of care, ranging from independent residential accommodation to nursing care that assists you as your needs evolve.
It’s essential that you understand how supportive a Life Plan Community can be as you age. This removes any concerns you might have about future health issues, such as memory loss and failing health. The following are the various types of care you should expect from a Life Plan Community, as well as some common differences:
1. Independent Residential Living
As is the case with most seniors, you probably started considering retirement living years before you needed constant care. Independent residential living is convenient because it offers you cottages and apartments in a secure community of your peers.
In this environment, you’ll have grounds care and maintenance taken care of. This gives you ample time to enjoy social and fitness activities with your fellow citizens. Such communities also provide standard on-campus amenities. These include beauty parlors, fitness centers, medical services, transportation, and therapy services. With these essential services always close, you’ll achieve peace of mind in no time.
2. Personal Care
Personal Care offers you extra services if you need help with daily living. As a resident, you’ll still be independent, but have ready access to skilled staff who will assist you in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). These services include grooming, performing household chores, medication administration, running errands, and incontinence management.
The support and pricing you receive will depend on the amount of assistance you’ll require. Standard Personal Care packages have a minimum of three daily meals, linen service, housekeeping, and access to social amenities.
Personal Care units can vary from little efficiency apartments to single-room units equipped with a full bath. In some communities, you might be offered Assisted Living Services. This resembles Personal Care but includes medical support.
3. Memory Care
As a senior, you might suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory loss complications. Memory Care aims to provide you with a tranquil, self-reliant environment that is both secure and comfortable. Memory Care is designed to preserve your self-dignity even if you’re battling memory difficulties. Personnel is particularly trained to handle members who are undergoing brain change.
Starting with prepared meals, to customized support from staff members, the whole environment is meticulously designed to offer ready assistance if you suffer from memory loss. Each activity is set up to fit your individual needs. Memory Care can either be a dedicated section, or a part of Personal Care and Healthcare facilities.
4. Healthcare Center
Healthcare Centers offer you high-quality nursing and suitable custodial assistance, whether you’re in for long-term or short-term rehabilitation. The medical treatment plan also includes care delivered by licensed nurses. This is a higher quality of care provided as an answer to one-off or recurring medical conditions.
Short-term rehabilitation refers to a limited stay you undergo in a skilled nursing facility. This commonly occurs after a stroke, surgery, or other exceptional health problems. The temporary care is meant to ensure you receive both treatment and crucial support you need before going back to your home.
Long-term care is a more exhaustive treatment choice. It’s best if you have chronic ailments or progressive conditions like dementia, strokes or long-term disabilities. As a member, you get immediate access to medical professionals any time you need them. Such highly trained personnel can respond quickly to any health issues you raise.
Healthcare Centers also offer end-of-life care during the final chapter of their members’ lives. The care that’s administered includes hospice care for those suffering from terminal illnesses. At this point, the focus shifts to making their final days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
The United Zion Retirement Community & the Life Plan Difference
At United Zion Retirement Community, we have all the answers to your senior living-related questions. We offer high-quality care from our scenic hilltop location in Lititz, Lancaster County, PA.
Our full-range of services are designed to maintain your health, dignity, independence, and passion for life as you age. For more on the advantages of Life Plan Communities in general and United Zion’s services in particular, contact us today.