Senior Care Planning Begins with Education
Understanding what each of these terms means is essential. Understanding what type of care is offered at each level is an integral part of finding the best senior care solution for you or your loved one.
What is Independent Living?
Independent Living communities are perfect for seniors who are looking to make the most of their senior living experience but who can provide for their own needs, including activities of daily living. Residents enjoy on-site activities, off-site excursions, amenities such as private dining rooms, public café, salon, wellness clinic, fitness center, lake access and pavilion and pontoon outings, woodworking shop, underground heated parking, libraries, movie theatre, a pet-friendly campus and so much more!
What Does Assisted Living Provide?
Assisted living communities give older adults personalized care in a residential setting. They’re for seniors whose health or well-being requires a higher level of support, which is determined through a health assessment by the community according to state regulations. Assisted living also provides a healthy lifestyle and social engagement. There are several different levels of assisted living Adult Family Homes, Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC) and Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF). They provide services under slightly different state regulations.
What’s the Difference Between RCAC and CBRF Assisted Living Solutions?
While each assisted living community individualizes its model, the following comparisons provide a good rule of thumb.
RCAC
The most common RCAC services offered include medication management and assistance with using the bathroom, dressing and grooming. Housekeeping, meals, laundry, assistance with transportation services, as well as social programs and activities, are included. Staff is available 24/7 to help with safety, care and support. Individuals are independent with the need for some assistance. Personal cares are on a more scheduled routine than a CBRF. Residents are encouraged to bring furniture and personal items to make their new home feel, well, like home.
| ➤ Provide a maximum of 28 hours of personal care per week |
| ➤ Provide up to 3 hours of nursing care per week |
| ➤ Residents live in 1 or 2-bedroom apartments |
| ➤ Offer amenities such as kitchenettes |
| ➤ Residents assumed safe behind closed doors |
CBRF
The CBRF provides the same kind of support as an RCAC but with the ability to provide more as needed services while still providing a very home-like environment, with outings, activities and personalized care.
| ➤ Provide unlimited personal care each week |
| ➤ Provide up to 3 hours of nursing care per week |
| ➤ Residents live in studio-style suites |
| ➤ Amenities differ by community |
| ➤ Residents not expected to make needs known |
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a CBRF with specialized care for people living with the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We tailor programs and activities to each person’s interests to help promote their independence and support their cognitive abilities while enjoying their individual passions and hobbies. This person-centered approach, combined with purposeful engagement, helps foster our residents’ well-being. And you can experience peace of mind since communities feature secured areas with sheltered freedom while promoting independence and movement.
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care refers to a patient’s need for care or treatment that can only be performed by licensed nurses. This type of care is usually offered in hospitals, assisted living communities, Life Plan Communities, nursing homes and other certified locations. Skilled nursing is mostly regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To be certified by CMS, skilled nursing communities must meet strict criteria and are subject to periodic inspections to ensure quality standards are being met.