Did you realize that there are various aspects to Senior Care? Five to be exact. While the overall objective is the same of each, caring for seniors, each type varies based on the amount of care needed and the independence level of the senior. 
Starting with the least amount of caregiving, there is Independent Living in a senior care home. This minimal assistance approach is best suited for aging seniors that are able to live independently in their day-to-day needs but wish to scale back, downsize, and live without the stress that comes with housekeeping, cleaning, and home maintenance. The provided security of a senior living community, like Rosewood, may allow comfort for those that feel vulnerable or susceptible to the dangers of living alone. Many of us would consider this to be the picture perfect image of our senior years in retirement and relaxation. This lifestyle of autonomous living is ideal for individuals who don’t require extensive senior care and are free to come and go, however they see fit.
In-Home Caregiving is a transitional assistance approach that can be an excellent option for seniors that can no longer live alone, but do not need urgent care from a senior care community or nursing home. This level of assistance can range from a caregiver checking in multiple times a day, once every day, or week by week to ensure the senior is getting help with their routine or errands. This method of care is commonly used during short periods of time before the senior transitions into more involved senior care. One benefit of in-home senior care is that an aging parent can remain in their home. The downside? It’s typically not very long before the need to transition out of the home and into a senior care community or nursing home becomes imminent, as health conditions often worsen and assisted living becomes mandatory. During this transition, beware of the risks involved if you choose to postpone the move. The effort and expense of relocating to a senior living community on short notice can deter families, which may result in stress, anxiety, and worsening conditions.
The next level of senior care is Assisted Living. This senior care method is ideal for seniors who require “parental” help to get around and perform daily activities, like showering or dressing. For residents who need assisted living– but not intensive medical care services. At Rosewood, our residents in Assisted Living are well and secure with nightly resident checks, yet around-the-clock care is nearby, if needed.
For seniors with the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s, Memory Care can provide residents with the attention and activities they need to experience a healthy and stimulating lifestyle. For The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe, the senior’s quality of life is the key concern. Families can rest assured knowing that loved ones are constantly cared for 24/7 without worrying about making sure they are eating meals and taking their prescribed medications. Our authorized nursing staff and team of caregivers never like to see patients transition into Memory Care, but they are here to provide support to families with seniors suffering from dementia.
Finally, the highest amount of caregiving is Nursing Home Senior Care. Due to the higher level of care needed, similar to hospital-like medical care, this method is designed for seniors that are in and out of the hospital for urgent medical care, as opposed to a lower tier of care service.
As with any important decision, it is recommended to get the professional opinion of your loved one’s primary health provider or physician to suggest the best level of senior care. Also, our team of dedicated caregivers and licensed professionals are available for a free consult and assessment for determining the best type of care information with every patient. We trust that the provided information on the level of senior living and care is helpful when choosing the appropriate senior care options.
Written by: Katie Hanley