With the many Senior Living communities in Central Florida and the different options available, it is so easy to feel confused and overwhelmed when beginning your search for the right community. North Star Senior Advisors wants you to understand senior living and the continuum of care so that you are able to decipher which place best fits the needs of your loved one. Many people ask North Star Senior Advisors what the differences are between assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing homes as well as the costs associated with each. We understand the confusion this topic brings, so we are offering a solution for families interested in finding the right place for you and/or your loved one.

Independent Living

Independent living caters to seniors who are still able to maintain their own day-to-day activities with minimal assistance and have very few medical concerns. Independent Living residents typically live in private apartments that vary in size with kitchens for those who still prefer to prepare their own meals. Unlike Assisted Living, residents are not checked on from time to time, there is not a caregiver or licensed nurse to help with activities of daily living and residents are still able to manage their own medications. Fine dining services are offered in most with restaurant style meals prepared daily. There are numerous social outings and events to choose from to include entertainment and activities for their residents to enjoy.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living communities are designed for seniors who can no longer live on their own and require help with their activities of daily living. Help provided by caregivers may include assistance with medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation and housekeeping as well as three meals and snacks per day. Residents can live in private or shared rooms which may have a small kitchenette attached. Staff is available 24 hours per day for additional safety and while most assisted living communities provide at least a standard license, there are additional licenses that allow the facility to provide more care so their residents can age in place. Seniors can enjoy social activities and go on scheduled outings too! Some Assisted Living Facilities have a separate, secured unit for Alzheimer’s residents that provide the same care stated above called Memory Care.

Memory Care Assisted Living Facilities

To include everything mentioned above, memory care communities are for those residents who are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These communities are secured so residents cannot wander away and staff is trained to deal with those who may be experiencing the different behaviors associated with this disease.

Communities vary in size and as mentioned above have different licensing types that allow different levels of care to be offered to their residents. Assisted living communities are typically paid privately but some accept state-funded Long Term Care Diversion Program along with the Veterans Aid & Attendance for those who qualify.

Nursing Home

Nursing homes or Rehab facilities provide around the clock nursing care for seniors and individuals who require a higher level of assistance and medical care than in an assisted living facility. Most nursing homes offer short-term rehabilitative stays for those recovering from an injury, illness or surgery. Long-term care residents generally have higher acuity of care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services not available in an assisted living facility. Three meals a day are provided in a dining room and most rooms are shared with another individual. They also plan activities for patients to encourage physical activity. Nursing homes accept most medical insurance to include Medicare, Medicaid, and can also be paid privately.

North Star Senior Advisors partners with close to 100 Assisted living and Independent living communities in Central Florida. If you have additional questions about assisted or independent living options, please call one of our senior advisors at (407) 796-1582
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