Eskaton Blog

When it is time for your parent to move to a senior living community you will discover that there are a number of different types of communities available. The communities range from those that will allow your parent to live with a high level of independence to those that can provide assistance with all activities of daily living. The best choice is a community that has the resources to provide the appropriate level of care while allowing your parent to have a high quality of life. Two types of senior living communities that adult children often explore for their parents include assisted living and memory care. You can decide which one is best for your parent by learning about each type of community and comparing what they offer to the needs of your parent.

As you navigate the process of looking into assisted living communities you will learn a lot about what they offer residents. You may be asking yourself if there really is a difference between one community versus another. Is it worth the trouble to learn about and tour each place before making a choice? If they all offer the same options then why spend a lot of time making a decision? All assisted living communities that are licensed are required to meet some basic standards in order to operate. Beyond those basic standards you will find that there can be a significant difference in the options offered by assisted living communities. Two of the main differences you will notice between communities are the levels of care and the amenities that are available.  

There are a number of options for senior living in Northern California. In fact, the sheer amount of options can make the prospect of making a choice feel overwhelming. The good news is that it is relatively easy to narrow down your choices based on your particular needs and wants. Senior living communities are separated into categories based on the type of care offered. Four of the main options are independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement community (CRCC). Once you know the details of what each type of community offers you can use that knowledge to help you make a decision.

Making the decision to move into assisted living will require effort, time, and a lot of thought. Your experience will be unique but there are certain factors that everyone should consider when thinking about assisted living. Three of the most important factors you should consider as you look into the possibility of assisted living include your needs, the options in your area, and affordability.  

A Love Story Kindled by 90 and 91-year–old

In 2017, Betty Mills, 88, moved to Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay from Red Bluff to be closer to her daughter. The first Sunday after she moved, Betty gathered the courage to go to church with her neighbors. As she was waiting for the bus, Betty locked eyes with a man sitting on a bench outside the community.

Choosing an assisted living community for your parents can feel like an overwhelming and dreaded task. Big changes are often difficult even when the end results are positive. Moving into assisted living can provide your parents with the care they need and an improved quality of life. Once you understand all that assisted living can do for your parents you will find it much easier to choose a community. In Sacramento, CA there are a number of high quality assisted living communities available to choose from. You can narrow the list by looking at the history of the community, the levels of care available, and the amenities offered to residents.

As you start to explore the world of senior living you will find that there are many different options. There are several types of communities to choose from based on the needs of you or your aging parent. Within each category of community there are also choices to make based on personal preferences. Before you can narrow down which community is best it is helpful to understand what differentiates the different levels of support. Two  common options include assisted living and memory care. Finding an option that meets the individual needs of you or your loved one is the most important part.  

Opening up the lines of communication about assisted living is difficult in some families. If you have never discussed assisted living or elder care with your mom then you may be concerned about how she will react to the topic. There are many older adults who are resistant to even discussing the options. If you want to broach the topic of assisted living with your mom the best way to start is by listening to her thoughts and concerns on the topic. Once you understand where your mom is coming from then you can talk to her about the burdens than come with staying at home and the benefits offered at assisted living.

Eskaton Village Grass Valley partnered with Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) in Nevada City, CA to create an intergenerational project, called Building Bridges. During a semester long project, high school senior student groups partnered with elders living at the community to document their lives using writing and film.

When you start to look at your options for senior living you will find that there are several different types of communities. Understanding the differences between the community types will help you determine which one is the best fit for you. For older adults who are still active two of the top options are independent living and assisted living. Both of these options have unique features to offer residents. Taking some time to learn about independent living and assisted living will give you the information you need to compare the two and make a choice.