Understanding Assisted Living Levels of Care
Choosing the right senior living home for a loved one can feel overwhelming. One key aspect to making the right choice is understanding the different levels of care within assisted living. Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with some daily tasks but want to maintain as much independence as possible. Assisted Living refers to a range of services tailored to individual needs, categorized into different levels of care.
Common Levels of Care in assisted living include:
- Independent Living/Residential Living: This is often the first step for seniors who are still relatively self-sufficient. They may need some help with things like home maintenance, meals, or transportation, but can largely manage their personal care. These communities often focus on social engagement, activities, and a vibrant lifestyle.
- Assisted Living (Basic/Level 1): This level provides support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders. Residents may also receive assistance with housekeeping, laundry, and meals. The focus is on maintaining independence while providing necessary support.
- Assisted Living (Moderate/Level 2): This level is for seniors who require more assistance with ADLs. They may need help with mobility, personal hygiene, and medication management. The level of care is more personalized and tailored to individual needs.
- Assisted Living (High/Level 3): This represents a higher level of care for seniors with significant needs. They may require assistance with most ADLs, including eating, toileting, and transferring. This level often involves 24-hour support and specialized care for individuals with cognitive impairments or complex medical conditions.
- Memory Care: While sometimes considered a separate type of senior living, memory care is often a specialized unit within an assisted living community. It's designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. These units offer a secure environment, specialized programming, and staff trained to address the unique needs of residents with cognitive decline.
How Do You Determine the Right Level of Care?
Determining the appropriate level of care requires a thorough assessment of your loved one's needs. You must consider how much assistance they need to complete daily tasks, medication management, cognitive function, social and emotional needs as well as any medical conditions that require additional monitoring and care.
Learn more about finding the best assisted living care for you or a loved one by reading our article “Which Senior Living Care Type is the Best Fit for You?”
Enrich Your Life with Assisted Living: Schedule a Tour at Hillside Terrace!
Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family.
We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. If you’re interested in learning more assisted living in Ann Arbor or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451