While you’re looking into a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, you may come across the term “continuum of care.” A continuum of care includes the different levels of care a senior living community offers to its residents.Continue reading to learn more about what a continuum of care is and its benefits.

What Are the Benefits of a Continuum of Care?

Moving is stressful in and of itself. It can be made even more difficult when you have to leave your relationships, community and the comfort of a familiar environment behind. A continuum of care makes it easy for seniors to transition from one type of care to the next as their needs change — without moving to a new community and uprooting the life they’ve built.By staying in the same senior living community, residents are able to age in place with ease, which can be critical to supporting quality of life. While not all residents will need every type of care offered in their senior living community, having these options available can provide peace of mind for you or your loved one.

What Are the Different Levels of Care

There are different levels of care within the continuum of care. Each level is designed to help residents with their specific care needs so that you can trust your loved one will be taken care of properly.

Independent Living 

Independent living apartments are a great option for those who can live independently but are looking to build connections within their community. Many independent living communities offer amenities and activities for their residents to enjoy. Some communities also allow residents to live with their pets in both independent and assisted living. The benefits of an independent living community include, but are not limited to:

• Social stimulation and opportunities to build lasting connections within a tight-knit community
• Living in a secure building
• Housekeeping and maintenance services 
• Community amenities including a pool, fitness center, dining options and more
• Community activities such as classes, programs and events
• Nearby medical care 

The cost of independent living depends on the community you choose. However, you’ll often find that compared to the cost of living on your own, it can be a much more affordable housing option than you think.

Assisted Living 

Assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who need help with daily tasks such as shopping, meal preparation, remembering medications, bathing, dressing, grooming, making doctor’s appointments and other necessities. These communities have a dedicated staff that’s there to provide the ongoing care each resident needs.Those who live in assisted living are able to get the independence they want with the extra care and support they need to ensure their health and well-being. It may be time to transition to assisted living if you notice increasing safety concerns, cognitive changes (such as memory issues), worsening medical conditions or difficulty completing daily tasks.

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities are typically short-term, acute care solutions that provide 24/7 care for residents. This care solution is designed to help residents recover from medical setbacks such as an injury, surgery or health issues, such as a stroke or heart attack. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation can be especially helpful and increase safety after a hospital stay.During your stay, the staff will provide medical treatment and rehabilitation activities such as physical, occupational or speech therapy. Residents staying at a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility are also provided with a variety of enriching, enjoyable activities to improve their quality of life. This level of care is designed to help residents make a full recovery before they return to their independent or assisted living community.

Memory Care 

Memory care communities offer numerous benefits to their residents. In this level of care, communities often have a highly trained team of dementia care professionals in place to ensure residents receive the care they need. The staff facilitates a steady routine of calming activities designed to minimize confusion, stimulate their mind and enrich their life. In addition, certain multi-sensory therapies are put in place to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life.Many seniors who have memory issues are prone to wandering and getting lost, which can pose a serious safety risk. In memory care communities, specific safety precautions are in place to prevent wandering and increase overall safety, such as 24/7 on-site security staff and security systems with pull cords to alert security or nursing personnel.

Choose Aviva For Your Next Adventure

As you age, it’s normal for the level of care you need to change. At Aviva Senior Living, we offer all levels of senior living on one campus to give you the peace of mind that you will be taken care of, when your care needs change.In addition to providing a well-rounded senior care solution, we prioritize our residents’ well-being and enrichment by offering specific activities and programs designed to foster a connected community. We also provide a range of services and amenities for our residents, including but not limited to:

• Complimentary transportation to popular Sarasota attractions
• Personal health and wellness programs 
• Fine and casual dining options 
• Heated outdoor pool 
• Salon and barbershop 
• State-of-the-art fitness center 
• Nightly entertainment 
• Library 
• Computer center 
• Tropical nature paths 
• 24/7 maintenance service and emergency response system

As you’re evaluating senior living communities, be sure to keep the continuum of care in mind. Aviva Senior Living offers continuum of care without the expensive entrance fee associated with most continuum care retirement communities. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.