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What Types of Senior Living Communities Are There? And, Where Do I Fit In?

senior couple smiling for the camera

When considering moving to a senior living community people have many questions.  One of the big questions is “What types of senior living communities are available and where do I fit in?”

There are many types of senior communities.  Franke Tobey Jones is a CCRC which stand for Continuing Care Retirement Community.  CCRCs include all levels of care:  independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.  However, some senior living communities have just independent living, or just assisted living and memory care, or any combination of the above.

Independent living:  The key difference between living independently and in assisted living lies in the level of support and care a person requires for daily activities. Independent living is for individuals who can live on their own and manage their daily activities without needing assistance. These communities are designed to provide a lifestyle with fewer responsibilities, offering a sense of community and amenities but without personal care services.  Residents live in their own apartment or home and manage all personal care, such as bathing, dressing and medication management.  Healthcare services are generally not included unless the resident seeks outside care or on-demand services.  Most communities will provide transportation services, housekeeping services, meal plans, fitness programs and more for independent living residents.

Assisted Living is for individuals who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management but do not require the intensive medical care provided in skilled nursing units. Assisted living facilities offer a higher level of care than independent living, and the range of services are designed to support residents’ independence while providing help with daily activities and ensuring their safety and comfort.  Some of the services include:  personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility), medication managements, housekeeping, laundry, meals, transportation, 24/7 staff availability, social and recreational activities, wellness and health monitoring, assistance with mobility, family support services and access to more care.

Memory Care communities are designed to create a supportive and engaging environment for individuals with memory issues, helping them maintain a good quality of life despite cognitive challenges. They are designed to ensure safety, promote well-being and offer tailored support for memory loss. Services typically include: personalized care plans, 24/7 supervision, medication management, cognitive stimulation activities, meal assistance and dietary support, behavioral and emotional support, secure environment, socialization opportunities, therapy and rehabilitation and end-of-Life Care.

Skilled Nursing

One nice thing about living in a CCRC is that if and when a resident needs more care than assisted living or memory care can provide, the resident can be moved to skilled nursing for higher care needs.  Skilled nursing typically takes care of residents with more complex medical conditions, post-surgical recovery needs or those who can no longer live independently due to chronic illnesses or physical disabilities. Some services that skilled nursing offers are: 24/7 medical care, personalized care plans, rehabilitation services, medication management, wound care, pain management, nutritional support, assisted care, behavioral and emotional support, palliative and hospice care, social and recreational activities, family support and education.

The Admissions Team at Franke Tobey Jones has decades of experience helping seniors navigate through the senior living journey.  If we can help you in any way, please call us at 253-752-6621.

Categories: General