Caring for a friend or family member as they age is a labor of love, and it is essential to have quality information to make the best decisions possible. Many would argue that nothing is more important than the decision about where to live. As a person ages, there are many options for living arrangements, and it is important to know the difference between things like independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and hospice.
“Independent living works best for seniors who are self-sufficient in daily tasks but may want to transition out of home ownership,” says Gary Frias, the executive director at Cedarhurst of Woodland Hills, which provides independent living options for seniors in the Tulsa area. This option includes relief from concerns such as home and lawn maintenance, as well as meal planning. Frias also mentions that many seniors enjoy the convenience of having various bills for services consolidated into a single monthly expense.
The independent living space offers many variations at Covenant Living at Inverness (CLI), a senior living community in the Tulsa area.
“Independent living residents choose from sixteen different floor plans of apartments, cottages and garden homes,” says Jacob Will, the community’s executive director.
Another important aspect of independent living is the availability of activities and opportunities for social interaction. Cedarhurst offers seniors access to amenities such as a heated saltwater pool, screenings in the private movie theater, a beauty shop and serene outdoor spaces. CLI offers a campus with walking trails, fishing ponds, a pickleball and tennis court, a dog park and garden areas.
“Independent living is ideal for seniors who feel that their current home environment doesn’t provide enough ease, community or resources for their active lifestyle,” says Frias. “From housekeeping to dining plans, we ensure convenience is woven into every day so residents can focus on what they love in a vibrant, engaging and socially connected environment.”
A senior living community with an assisted living component can be an excellent option for those needing some help with daily routines. In an assisted living situation, there are still many options for living arrangements, amount of care given, and access to activities and social interactions.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), assisted living accommodations serve those who need some help with daily living, but not as much as a nursing home would provide. Some services that may be provided include up to three meals per day, assistance with personal care, help with remembering and taking medications, laundry and housekeeping services, round-the-clock supervision and security, and social and recreational activities.
At CLI, the Red Bud Court offers this type of assistance to residents.
“Red Bud Court is staffed 24 hours a day with certified caregivers prepared to assist with medication management, bathing and more,” says Will. Residents can take advantage of three meals per day, too.
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing accommodations, focus more on medical care than assisted living and provide 24-hour supervision and help with activities, according to the NIA. Residents may need this level of care on a short-term basis or for an extended stay. For those recovering from an injury or illness, rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, are available.
For patients who need this type of assistance, Heather Hall at CLI provides intensive care, 24 hours a day in private rooms.
Another term that is often used when planning for end-of-life care is hospice. This option has been more often utilized in recent years and can be a very comforting service for those with serious illnesses – and their loved ones. This care option can be used in a variety of settings, including a hospital, nursing home, hospice center or even at home.
According to the NIA, “hospice care focuses on the care, comfort and quality of
life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. At some point, it may not be possible to cure a serious illness, or a patient may choose not to undergo certain treatments. Hospice is designed for this situation.”
There are many decisions to make as a loved one ages. The choice of living arrangements and type of care needed is essential and can change as time passes. There are many options available, as well as many avenues to get high-quality information about those options, including a trusted physician, a local area agency on aging, and the NIA. Gather information from these trusted sources and spend time discussing their preferences with the senior family member to make the best decision.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care assisted living is another living option that has gained popularity in recent years. These communities offer unique resources and accommodations for those with memory loss. CLI offers this type of care in its Red Bud Circle community. According to Will, residents are enrolled in SAIDO Learning, a daily cognitive therapy program that includes training from CLI staff members from across its campus, independent living residents and community volunteers.
