If you’re not familiar with the types and levels of care offered in today’s senior living communities, don’t worry! We can help you learn about the services, programs and amenities typically available. In fact, it’s likely you’ll be surprised to discover there is a community to fit almost any need or lifestyle choice.
Reviewing the following questions can help you better understand what you’re looking for. We also offer a summary of community types and the services provided; we hope you find them helpful as you and your family consider the options.
Care in Senior Living: Knowing your needs and preferences
The first step in deciding if senior living is right for you or a loved one is understanding what needs need to be met, and which lifestyle is preferable. A good place to start is creating a preliminary list of what you’re looking for, including any care needs or favorite amenities that would add to an enriched and elevated quality of life.
These questions can help get you started:
- Is assistance needed with the basic tasks of daily living?
Do you or a parent live an independent life but need help with bathing, dressing, managing medications or preparing meals? When considering senior living, make a note of where assistance is needed and whether a community can provide it. - Is the current home accessible and age-friendly?
You may discover that your home or the home of a loved one was not built with accessibility in mind, especially if assistive equipment like a walker or wheelchair is needed for mobility. Consider whether extensive or expensive renovations would be needed to make it more adaptive to aging bodies. - Is shopping or preparing healthy food becoming more difficult?
Eating well contributes greatly to living well, but shopping, planning and preparing meals, and cleaning up after can become more difficult for many as they age. Some older adults find they’re just tired of cooking and would like a break from the responsibility. - Is loneliness or social isolation becoming a risk?
As we grow older, it can also be more of a challenge to avoid becoming lonely or isolated from others. Yet the risks to both physical and emotional health can be great. Are there regular opportunities to socialize with others and participate in activities? - Are driving and transportation options becoming a challenge?
One thing that can lead to isolation from others is no longer driving. If transportation alternatives aren’t readily available, a person can be cut off from friends, family and activities they love. - Has a loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
Dementia is a progressive disease, meaning the limitations and challenges associated with symptoms will continue to increase over time. Is your family looking ahead and considering options for care when your loved one can no longer remain at home? - Does the family member living with dementia have a high quality of life?
The world often shrinks for people who live with dementia. Yet there are still opportunities for them to engage and enjoy a full and purposeful life. Does your loved one have access to these options, and the ability to take advantage of them? - Will you or a loved one need rehabilitative services after surgery or illness?
Are you in need of care and attention on a short-term basis? Many older adults find that supervised care is still needed after surgery or while recovering from an injury or illness.
Care in Senior Living: What different communities offer
After you have a better idea of the type of lifestyle you prefer and the care needs you’re trying to meet, review the summaries below to understand the different models of senior living. This will help you correctly identify communities that can meet these needs and preferences.
- Independent living
These communities offer an active and independent lifestyle for those older adults who are primarily looking for a private, maintenance-free residence alongside a variety of amenities and activities to enrich and enhance their overall quality of life. Personal assistance services are typically not included. - Assisted living
When reviewing options for care, consider if your parents are beginning to need a helping hand with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, shopping, cooking or managing medications. An assisted living community can provide help in these areas, and residency also typically includes a private residence, dining services, activities and assurance that help is there when needed. - Memory care
Those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may eventually need more care and attention than can be provided at home. Secure neighborhoods, compassionate and specially-trained care partners, and holistic therapies that can enhance a resident’s quality of life are usually available within this level of care. - Rehabilitative care
Individuals who’ve had surgery, an injury or illness may find that though they no longer require the services of a hospital, they are not quite ready to return home. Many senior living communities provide rehabilitative services, including physical and occupational therapy, for those individuals needing a little extra support as they recover.
Once you have a preliminary match of needs, preferences and services, you’ll want to visit a few communities to see firsthand whether they would be a good fit for you or your loved one.
Life at Eskaton Communities
The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.
The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.
We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:
- Private residences
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
- Creative activities and therapies
- Fitness centers and exercise classes
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staffing
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- And much, much more!
If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community guide.
To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (or 1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.
