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Home Blog Senior Living 101 Understanding Senior Living Options

Understanding Senior Living Options

Posted on October 1, 2019

Tagged with: Senior Living 101
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Today, there are numerous living options for seniors. Understanding the differences between these options is the first step in discovering what works best for you and your needs.

Independent Living

Independent living is typically a senior housing community or apartment building that may provide some supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation. Congregate Housing, Supportive Housing, and Retirement Community are also terms that may be used interchangeably with independent living. Independent Living typically encourages socialization by provision of meals in a central dining area and scheduled social programs.

Assisted Living/Personal Care

Assisted Living/Personal Care is the long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care as needed. Seniors who need a level of assistance higher than that of an independent community, but not as extensive as a nursing home or hospital typically benefit from Assisted Living/ Personal Care communities. IntegraCare facilities provide an independent lifestyle with customized assistance. You may also hear the terms personal care, assisted living and senior living used interchangeably.

Memory/Dementia Care

Memory Care supports the special cognitive needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This care concept has only existed since the early 1990s and effectively fills the gap created between personal care and skilled nursing facilities.

IntegraCare’s Life Stories Memory Care program focuses on each resident’s personal history to help staff stir memories, build connections and help residents in everyday life.

Skilled Care

Skilled care is a type of intermediate care in which the patient or resident needs more assistance than usual, generally from licensed nursing personnel and certified nursing assistants. This care is not the same as long-term care in which a resident may not need the services of a licensed nurse on a daily basis.

Long-term Care

Long-term care refers to a continuum of medical and social services designed to support the needs of people living with chronic health problems that affect their ability to perform everyday activities. Long-term careservices include traditional medical services, social services, and housing.

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Senior Living 101

  • Understanding Senior Living Options
  • Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Financial Tips Every Senior Caregiver Needs to Know
  • The Importance of a Living Will for Seniors
  • Caring For the Senior Caregiver

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  • Home
  • Communities
    • Search by Zip Code
    • Maryland
      • Candle Light Cove
      • Queenstown Landing
    • Pennsylvania
      • Abington Manor at Morgan Hill
      • Colonial Courtyard at Bedford
      • Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield
      • Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone
      • Exton Senior Living
      • Glen Mills Senior Living
      • Magnolias of Chambersburg
      • Magnolias of Lancaster
      • Newhaven Court at Clearview
      • Newhaven Court at Lindwood
      • The Pines of Mount Lebanon
      • The Residence at Fitz Farm
      • The Residence at Presque Isle Bay
      • The Woods at Cedar Run
    • Virginia
      • The Residence at Colvin Run
  • Levels of Care
    • Assisted Living / Personal Care
    • Memory Care
    • Independent Living
    • LifeBridges
    • Short Term / Respite Care
  • About Us
    • Our Core Concepts
    • Leadership Team
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
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  • Abington Manor at Morgan Hill
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