Independent Living Community with Services
Independent Living communities are senior housing communities designed for independent seniors that would enjoy or benefit from the conveniences of community living. These communities offer a senior lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social opportunities. Typically, residents enjoy apartment style living with amenities such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, planned activities & socialization. Independent Living Communities are not licensed to provide caregiving services.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted Living communities also provide all of the amenities of living in a senior community listed above (meals, activities, transportation, housekeeping, activities & socialization). Additionally, Assisted Living communities are licensed by the State to provided non-medical care, according to a care plan, to their residents. These types of services are provided by non-medical caregivers who are on staff 24/7. Examples of the care that can be provided are assistance with medication management, dressing, bathing & other personal care, ambulating & transferring, dementia needs, and more. Some Assisted Living communities also provide a separate safe Memory Care area for those requiring special services due to cognitive impairment.
Memory Care Communities
Dementia Care communities dedicate their services to caring for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. To keep resident’s safe, the entire community is secure, with delayed egress exits. Areas are provided for residents to walk & wander in a safe environment. Activities are geared to those with memory impairment. Special care & assistance is provided by caregivers trained specifically in caring for your loved one with dementia to ensure they feel safe, secure & valued.
Small Residential Care Homes (Board & Care Homes)
Small care homes are usually individually owned, but are also licensed by the State and follow the same regulations as a larger Assisted Living Community. In a more home-like atmosphere than a larger community, live-in caregivers are able to provide individualized care to just a few residents (typically six individuals). Various levels of care (including Memory Care) are able to be provided. Each home is different; some have private rooms, some shared. Home cooked meals & special one-on-one care is provided in a family-like atmosphere.
Multi-level Communities
Multi-Level Communities may provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care & Skilled Living on the same property. This can be ideal to plan for future care needs, or for families with more than one family member, each requiring a different level of care.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled Nursing Facilities provide in-patient services requiring medical (nursing) care, and/or rehabilitation, such as after surgery or a stroke.
Respite
Short term respite visits in a community or care home are an option to give the caregiver a break (such as to go on vacation etc.) or a chance for individual to try out a community on a trial basis.
Note
*In all assisted living options an assessment should be done to ensure that your loved one’s level of care can be provided appropriately, and that they are a good fit for their community. Also, a 602 State of California Physicians Report (including a current TB Test) is required to be completed before a move into a licensed community or care home setting.