Assisted Living

A unique blend of housing, personalized supportive services, and healthcare crafted to cater to the scheduled and unscheduled needs of individuals requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking. Typically, assisted living communities offer a range of services including three daily meals, housekeeping, transportation, access to health and medical services, 24-hour security and staff availability, emergency call systems, health promotion and exercise programs, medication management, personal laundry services, and a variety of social and recreational activities.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

Provides multiple levels of assistance, encompassing independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care. What sets it apart from other senior housing and care communities is the provision of a written agreement or long-term contract between the resident (often lasting their lifetime) and the community. This agreement covers a continuum of housing, services, and healthcare typically available within one campus or site.

Home Health Care

Refers to the delivery of medical and nursing services in an individual’s home by a licensed healthcare provider. These services are typically covered by insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Independent Living

Refers to a residential setting designed for senior adults, which may or may not offer hospitality or supportive services. In this living arrangement, senior adults maintain an independent lifestyle, needing minimal or no extra assistance. Often termed ‘elderly housing’ in a government-subsidized environment, independent living encompasses rental or market-rate apartments or cottages. Residents typically have the freedom to choose whether to participate in the community’s services or programs.

Memory Care

If you or your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or other dementia, these communities are the best option. Memory care communities provide a safe and secure environment and may operate on their own, as part of an assisted living community, or within a continuing care retirement community.

Nursing Home

Provides round-the-clock skilled care for patients with acute needs. Patients typically rely on assistance for most or all ADLs. One step below hospital acute care, these facilities are licensed by the state. They are mandated to have regular medical supervision and access to rehabilitation therapy available. Nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. They are also referred to as nursing facilities or convalescent homes.

Residential Care Home

Provides personal assistance and facilitates essential daily living activities for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours. Individuals residing in a residential care home are typically unable to care for themselves adequately or independently because of illness, disease, or mental health challenges. These individuals do not typically require the services of a registered or licensed practical nurse, except for emergencies.

Personnel in a residential care home provide 24-hour assistance for residential care services. In addition to three meals a day, medication administration services are included. Resident activity programs are also provided along with laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance services.

Senior Apartment

Age-restricted, multi-unit housing for older adults who can care for themselves. Usually, no additional services such as meals or transportation are provided, similar to independent living.

Skilled Nursing Facility

A special facility or part of a hospital that provides medically necessary professional services from nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and audiologists. Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock assistance with healthcare and ADLs.

Skilled nursing facilities must meet federal criteria to qualify for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement for nursing care. This includes fulfilling requirements such as physician-supervised patient care, employing at least one registered nurse on a full-time basis, maintaining detailed patient care and condition records, ensuring round-the-clock availability of nursing care, providing appropriate facilities for drug storage and dispensing, implementing a utilization review plan, and establishing comprehensive financial planning, including an annual operating budget and a three-year capital expenditures program.

LivWell Seniors wishes to emphasize that you are not alone. Please feel free to reach out by clicking the phone icon located at the bottom right of the app to connect with a senior resource specialist who can help you explore the appropriate resources for your unique situation.