As we get older, it is inevitable that we will start needing more help. Everyday tasks can become too daunting or difficult due to medical conditions or a weakened physical condition, and this would inevitably lead to older adults needing to rely on their friends and family. Unfortunately, friends and family members may not always have time to provide the level of care their loved one may need. As such, older adults that have difficulty living independently turn to retirement communities as a viable long-term solution. So, what are retirement communities and what type of care can they provide? Read on to find out the 4 levels of care retirement places in Indianapolis, IN provides.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities such as Rittenhouse Village At Northside are residential communities that are designed for older adults looking to live out their sunset years comfortably. These housing facilities offer amenities and services that are catered to ensure that the needs of their residents are well cared for. This includes three chef-prepared gourmet meals, housekeeping services, routine maintenance, and in certain communities, professional nursing care, and memory care.
Of course, the level of care required differs from individual to individual. That is why retirement communities often offer personalized care for their residents. Depending on the medical and physical condition of the resident, retirement communities in Indianapolis are able to provide 4 different levels of care.
Basic Care
As the name implies, basic care or lower-level care is suitable for residents who require minimal assistance and can mostly live independently. This means that they are largely mobile on their own or with the help of support devices, do not require constant or close monitoring of their health condition, and do not need help maintaining their hygiene. Residents under basic care also do not suffer from any form of mental impairment such as dementia and have little issues communicating with others. In other words, those under basic care only require routine medical check-ups such as the occasional blood sugar test, and perhaps some reminders or help with their medication. Naturally, due to the lower levels of care provided, this option is typically more affordable than the other types of care in this list.
Higher Level Care
A step up from basic care is higher-level care, provided for residents requiring more attention from the on-site team. From help with getting dressed, bathing, and basic grooming, to assistance dining, higher level care includes more assistance in the daily lives of the residents and it caters to those that have trouble seeing to their daily tasks themselves. Higher level care may also be suitable for residents that have more serious medical conditions and require more consistent monitoring and medication. As this level of care requires more resources and attention from the team, it is also more expensive.
Memory Care
One of the most common reasons older adults choose to stay in assisted living communities is the dedicated memory care they provide. Assisted living communities that offer memory care services are best suited for those that are suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other neurological conditions that affect the cognitive abilities of the resident.
Here in Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we offer SHINE® Memory Care, an exclusive memory care program that promises specialized care and programs to help residents who are suffering from memory-related ailments. Memory care often overlaps with higher-level care, but also includes special diets, activities, and routines designed based on science-driven data to help soothe the symptoms of their neurological conditions. Furthermore, the care team undergoes comprehensive training and is well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise from memory loss.