Many senior living communities today offer more than one level of care, making it sometimes challenging to know what option is best for you or your loved one. Understanding the different care services can help make your search easier. Review our list below to learn how each care level is defined and what services, amenities, and accommodations you can typically expect.
What are the common senior living care options?
Independent living
Independent living is best for older adults who require little daily assistance but are ready for someone else to take care of the chores and upkeep of home ownership. Seniors who are right for independent living also want to remain independent and fill their days with travel, hobbies, friends, wellness activities, and more. Simply put, they want a maintenance-free and active lifestyle. What you can expect in independent living:
- A range of accommodation choices, including homes, apartments, and condos
- Restaurant-style dining options
- Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- A full calendar of activities, special events, and outings
- On-site amenities, like a library, fitness center, art studio, salon, and more
- On-site medical assistance is not typically offered, but communities often provide an emergency response system
Assisted living
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need some assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and medication management. The supportive environment encourages residents to be independent and engage in meaningful activities. What you can expect in assisted living:
- Accommodations usually range from companion to private suites or apartments
- Personalized assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and medications
- Three freshly prepared daily meals, including snacks and beverages
- Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- 24-hour nursing assistance and supervision
- A full calendar of activities, special events, and outings
- Similar on-site amenities as independent living: library, activity room, exercise classes and equipment, art studio, salon, and more
Take a quick survey: Is it the right time for senior living?
Memory care
Memory care is specifically designed to nurture and support older adults living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. What you can expect in memory care:
- Secure community to keep residents safe and prevent wandering
- Private or companion suites
- Staff specially trained in memory care
- 24-hour nursing assistance and supervision
- Intentionally designed community and suite layouts that are easy to navigate
- Therapy programs and structured activities customized to meet each resident’s individual needs and plan of care
- Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- Personalized assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and medications
- Three freshly prepared daily meals, including snacks and beverages
- On-site amenities, including a salon, activity room, quiet room, art studio, and library
Is it the right time for memory care? Take this short quiz >>
Skilled nursing
Skilled nursing provides 24-hour supervised medical care for seniors with chronic conditions or other medical concerns that require around-the-clock assistance. You’ll find a licensed nurse and aides on-site 24/7, and typically skilled nursing communities offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Seniors may need skilled nursing long-term or for a short stay to recover from surgery or hospitalization. What you can expect in skilled nursing:
- Private or companion rooms with attached bath
- Round-the-clock care and assistance with daily living
- Health monitoring and medication management/administration
- Exercise programs, social opportunities, and meaningful activities
- Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services
- Three freshly prepared daily meals, including snacks and beverages
- On-site amenities, including a salon, activity room, library, and gathering rooms to visit with friends and family
Taking the next step: visiting communities
When you have a better idea of what level of care is best, research communities that will meet your needs. Set up tours so you can visit the community in person and meet the residents and team members. On your tour, be prepared with a list of questions to understand better how your loved one’s needs and preferences can be met. Ask about costs, availability, and care level options. Make sure you find out what happens if your loved one’s health needs change. Explore life at Frontida Assisted Living >>
Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your future care. Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events. Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized behavioral health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Nursing staff to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose. When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us. We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complex world of care. Download our free “Family Decision Toolkit” to learn more.
