There are different types of senior care services that cater to the needs of older adults. Assisted living is a popular option for seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. However, there may come a time when the level of care provided in an assisted living community is no longer adequate for a senior’s needs. In these cases, it may be necessary to consider moving to a higher level of senior care, like a memory care community or a hospice.
Some signs that it may be time to consider moving from assisted living to a more specialized level of senior care include a significant decline in health which requires a higher level of care and support, or an increase in cognitive decline.
Decline in Health
As your loved ones age, their health needs may become more complex. Chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, and other factors may lead you to seek more intensive care and support. While assisted living communities offer a range of services, they may not always have the necessary resources or trained staff to handle high-level care needs that involve advanced medical equipment and round-the-clock assistance.
In such cases, exploring options beyond traditional assisted living becomes crucial. Moving your loved one to a community that specializes in higher-level care can provide the specialized support and attention they need, protecting their well-being and enhancing their quality of life.
The main advantages of higher-level care communities include:
- Specialized Medical Services: These communities usually have designated medical personnel to provide round-the-clock care and monitor any sudden changes in health. They may also offer specialized services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy that can help seniors maintain or improve their health.
- Tailored Support: Higher-level care communities create individualized care plans based on the unique needs and preferences of each resident. This ensures that they receive the specific care and support necessary for their well-being.
- Continuous Care: With advanced medical needs, it is crucial to have continuous care available. Higher-level care communities often have a higher staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring that residents always have help when they need it.
- Highly-Trained Staff: These communities have staff members who are specifically trained in advanced medical care to provide residents with the appropriate treatment and support for their unique needs.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Residents in higher-level care communities often have more complex health conditions that require extra precautions. These communities typically have extra safety measures in place, such as secure spaces and emergency response plans.
- Peace of Mind for Families: Knowing that your loved one is receiving specialized care can bring peace of mind, especially if your family is not able to provide the level of support required. This can alleviate the stress and worry that often comes with caring for a loved one with complex medical needs.
Increased Cognitive Decline
Some cognitive decline is natural with age, but conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia can be challenging for individuals to manage on their own. Transitioning from assisted living to memory care can provide the necessary support and specialized programs for individuals with cognitive decline, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. Memory care communities offer trained caregivers, specially designed spaces, brain games, and activities that promote cognitive stimulation.
Evaluating the Level of Care Needed
Here are the steps you can take to figure out if a move to specialized senior care may be necessary for your loved one:
- Assess their current living situation and level of independence.
- Evaluate their health conditions and any care needs they may have.
- Consider your loved one’s social and emotional well-being.
- Research communities in the area that offer specialized care for their specific needs.
- Take a tour of potential communities to get a feel for the environment and services offered.
- Discuss the options with your loved one and other family members to make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that the level of care needed may change over time, so regular reassessments may be necessary. Additionally, some assisted living communities offer higher levels of care, such as memory care. It’s important to find out if their community can accommodate changing care needs.
Types of High-Level Senior Care
Here are some types of specialized senior care that may be available in assisted living communities:
- Memory Care: This type of care is for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. Memory care communities have a secure environment and trained staff to provide 24/7 supervision and personalized care.
- Skilled Nursing Care: These communities provide round-the-clock medical care for seniors with chronic health conditions or recovering from an illness or surgery.
- Hospice Care: This type of care is for individuals with a terminal illness and focuses on providing comfort, support, and pain management.
- Respite Care: Short-term care for seniors to give caregivers a chance to rest and recharge. It can be a helpful option for family caregivers who need a break or for seniors who are interested in getting a feel for a new community.
It’s important to research and understand the level of care offered by different assisted living communities to find the best fit for your loved one. Some communities may offer multiple types of care, while others may specialize in one area.
Discover Exceptional Care at Bellevue Village at Neese Road
At Bellevue Village at Woodstock, we understand that choosing the right community for your loved one is a big decision. That’s why we offer a range of exceptional services and amenities to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care and creating a supportive community for our residents.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your specific needs and help you or your loved one thrive in their golden years.
