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For many families, the terms “senior living” or “senior care” are complicated and confusing. Options can range from independent living neighborhoods to skilled nursing facilities and it can be even more difficult to know what amenities, services, and levels of care are offered from each. When you’re trying to find the best option for you or a loved one, it’s useful to have a clear, foundational understanding. Our quick reference guide explains the various levels of care, resources, and support.
Senior Living and Senior Care
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Respite Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Independent Living
Independent living can be a great option for active, older adults who don’t need daily assistance, are ready to downsize, and want to expand their social networks. Independent living communities, sometimes called retirement communities, are tailored to 55+ or 65+ adults who want easy-to-manage, senior-friendly spaces where monthly fees cover outdoor and lawn maintenance and grant access to amenities like a golf course, pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and library. Independent living communities may provide membership or meal plans at a community dining hall or restaurant, social opportunities, light housekeeping, transportation, and group activities. Independent living housing options range from detached, single-family homes to luxury condos.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities walk a line between independent living and more supportive nursing care. It’s a good option when it’s no longer safe or healthy for someone to live alone and for people experiencing mobility issues, recent health setbacks, or early signs of memory impairment. People moving to assisted living communities do not need constant medical attention, but do need support with the activities of daily living (ADLs) like getting dressed, taking a bath, and personal grooming. Assisted living communities can also address loneliness and feelings of isolation that are becoming an epidemic among seniors. With access to daily activities, entertainment options, accessible outdoor spaces, wellness classes, and local excursions, families routinely see their loved ones thrive in robust, vibrant assisted living communities. At Calyx, residents enjoy chef-made meals made with ingredients from local farmers and our on-campus gardens. Residents also have access to cooking classes and can use each community’s luxury appointed kitchen for personal cooking. With an on-site spa, wellness programs, and daily activities, Calyx makes it easy to form new connections and develop friendships. Assisted living residents don’t have to worry about housekeeping, laundry, or home maintenance. There is also around-the-clock emergency assistance.
Memory Care
Memory care offers dedicated, specialized care for adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care services can be offered on the same campus as assisted living communities or as stand-alone residential spaces. An important distinction is the effort to prioritize safe, secure spaces with 24-hour support from teams trained to manage conditions associated with memory loss. Alongside personal care, ADL support, medication management, and dining, memory care communities offer programs tailored to enhance cognitive function. Calyx offers a signature memory care program called The Garden Place that includes a comprehensive, holistic approach to stimulate connections through sensory games, movement, food, music, and art. Many memory care communities also provide enclosed or secure garden and outdoor spaces. This allows memory care residents to enjoy being outside without families worrying about their loved one wandering off campus. Some memory care communities also offer support groups and resources for caregivers and family members.
Respite Care
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, offering a short-term stay for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, special needs, or who need assistance with daily activities. Respite care is intended to give caregivers a break, allow for a vacation or travel, or simply rest knowing their loved one will receive consistent, professional care when they are away. Respite care services can range from bathing and personal grooming to physical therapy and medication management. This service can also introduce loved ones to new activities and connections that improve their emotional and social well-being. If your family is considering a move to assisted living, a respite care stay can help test that transition. Many assisted living communities or skilled nursing homes provide respite care.
Skilled Nursing
Next to a hospital, a skilled nursing facility provides the highest level of medical care. This is the best senior care option if your loved one needs ongoing medical care that can’t be provided at home or in an assisted living community. Sometimes called a nursing home, this level of care is for people who need 24-hour supervised care with daily activities, meals, and health management. This includes people who have a complicated medical condition, are recovering from a stroke or surgery, need daily therapy, or constant medical care. Skilled nursing facilities are required to have a registered nurse (RN) on staff 24×7 to provide skilled nursing services, and many have additional in-house medical practitioners and resources. A skilled nursing center can be an option for people who need short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care. Some nursing homes do have dedicated space for residents with memory care needs, however the main focus is on providing medical treatment and support for chronic or terminal conditions. Talk with your trusted medical team when considering care options. Some medical conditions require skilled nursing care and can’t be handled in assisted living communities.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Presenting as connected care options or step-down care levels, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) offer access to all care types: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. This can be provided in the same physical location, in connecting communities or on different floors within a building. CCRC can also be called Life Care Communities (LCCs) and create a structure where residents can seamlessly transition between levels of care as their health or situation changes. Residents can move into independent living with access to a wide range of amenities and social activities as part of a vibrant, engaging community. As a person’s care needs changes, residents receive tailored support and services. This continuum can be interesting to people who want to live in the same community without having to navigate care levels, to couples who have varying care needs, and to those who prioritize support for medical needs that they may have in the future. CCRCs provide maintenance-free living that can offer peace of mind, eliminate the need for additional moves, and ensure access to care as health needs change.
The Calyx team has extensive experience helping hundreds of families navigate the transition to senior care. We’re happy to learn about your specific needs and share our knowledge. While we believe Calyx offers the best assisted living and memory care options, we most want residents and their families to feel empowered with their options and make a choice that provides a robust quality of life. Contact the Calyx team to schedule a consultation and a tour.