Senior couple walking across a bridge waiving at a older woman riding a bike

Learn about the Range of Senior Living Options

Senior living options, along with all the details can be an arduous topic for anyone to think about. In order to understand the options, one must first become fluent in the lingo. Which is why our team at Unisen Senior Living is here to explain some of the most common senior living terminology. We hope our descriptions ease the burden of understanding the five most common types of senior living.

Top 5 Most Common Senior Living Options:

  • Independent Living
  • Assisted Living
  • Memory Care
  • Skilled Nursing
  • CCRCs

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living is for active seniors who can manage their own activities of daily living but desire a community with social opportunities and a maintenance-free lifestyle. This senior living option gives older adults the opportunity to embrace their choices, control, freedom, and equality for as long as they can.

Independent senior living neighborhoods may include a variety of housing accommodations. Including single family homes, villas, and/or apartments. Most communities offer a variety of home sizes such as one, two, or three bedroom floor plans and some even offer options that include one and two car attached garages.

Retirees retain freedom and revel in retirement! At Unisen Senior Living, the monthly fee for independent living apartments and villas covers interior and exterior home maintenance and upkeep including weekly housekeeping and linen services, lawn care, and more. Subsequently this frees senior adults schedules so they can enjoy the many activities, amenities, clubs, and dining venues located on campus. No need to keep up with yard work anymore, savor free time with family and nearby neighbors!

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a great option for seniors that need help managing daily care, sometimes referred to as activities of daily living or ADLs. This includes things like medication management, getting to the bathroom or help while bathing, dressing, and more.

Assisted Living facilities provide a personalized level of care per individual with day-to-day needs. This level of care enables older adults to remain active, engaged, and as independent as they can be in a safe and supportive environment for years to come.

Assisted Living is soon coming to Unisen!

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is beneficial for residents with dementia, or memory loss. It offers a secure and structured environment with trained staff members who provide assistance with daily activities, medication management, and other types of support specific to the needs of those with memory impairment.

Memory support communities usually offer programs and activities designed to help seniors preserve cognitive function hence improving their quality of life.

What is Skilled Nursing?

This level of care is for individuals who require medical treatment and monitoring beyond what can be provided in a standard assisted living facility or independent living community.

Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, typically offer 24-hour medical supervision, rehabilitation services, and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Skilled nursing facilities are typically staffed with licensed nurses and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide specialized care to residents with a range of medical conditions, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, and injuries.

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Also known as a CCRC, senior living option is a community that offers gradually higher levels of care as needs change. People often move to a CCRC when they don’t need much assistance, such as into independent living.

As time passes and situations change, higher levels of care may become necessary. And when they do, a continuing care retirement community has those extra levels of care available to seniors locally on the same campus. Common levels of care at CCRCs usually include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Living in a CCRC has many advantages. For many, one of the most notable is the peace of mind that comes with knowing no matter how needs may evolve there will not be a need to move to a new place.

Alternate Care Options for Seniors

Of course there are alternate living options for seniors such as aging in place in one’s current home. Contingent to the needs of the individual, they may or may not require the presence of a caregiver 24 hours a day. Care around the clock is available for seniors living in their private residence and usually includes 2-3 shifts per day.

Other choices for older adults include age-restricted apartments or moving in with family members. Many senior communities also provide a short-term break for caregivers, aka respite care.

Finally, please reach out to us here at Unisen with any questions. You can call us at 813-437-9896 or get in touch with our team via our contact form.