• Skilled care vs. custodial care: Regardless of the type of senior living facility of community, at the highest level of senior care there are two primary categories. Custodial care, sometimes referred to as non-skilled care, is designed to assist seniors with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating. This level of care is commonly selected for seniors that may not have significant medical issues, but are facing memory loss conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Skilled care, or skilled nursing can only be facilitated by licensed medical personnel, and typically suits seniors with complex medical needs that their loved ones are unable to regularly or safely fulfill. Both custodial and skilled care can be provided in a residential care setting, an adult daycare facility, or in the senior’s home.

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• Assisted living vs. memory care: Memory care and assisted living services are generally offered as part of a full-time residential facility. There, staff are available to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of residents with around-the-clock care and assistance. Meals, social and educational activities, and other amenities are also usually included at this level of care. Assisted living facilities can vary greatly in the level of independence and professional support provided to the residents, depending on their specific needs and conditions. As an assisted living resident, a senior may be able to take advantage of offsite outings and live in a private apartment, while still receiving help with medication, meals, and tasks such as laundry.

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• In a memory care facility, extra security measures are in place to protect its patients, who typically suffer from varying degrees of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory loss issues. These facilities usually have a lower staff-to-resident ratio, and may restrict outings and unsupervised outdoor access to ensure residents’ safety. Additionally, memory care facilities often implement regular activities specifically designed to help slow the progression of memory loss.

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• Retirement housing vs. long-term care facilities: For many healthy, active, and independent seniors, retirement communities provide an ideal living arrangement. Retirement community residents usually maintain personal independence and live in a private single-family home, condominium, or apartment. In addition, they also enjoy the benefit of an age-restricted community and amenities designed specifically for seniors. Many retirement communities offer advantages such as added security, social activities, resort-style living, and neighborhood recreational centers.
   

Long-term care facilities can include assisted living, nursing homes, hospice care, and continuing care communities, and are designed for seniors that need varying levels of support and medical assistance. 

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Selecting the ideal level of senior care for yourself or a loved one can feel like a daunting task, but the senior care consultants at MKR Senior Health Strategist Placement Service are here to support you every step of the way.