Life Plan or Continuing Care Communities - What Levels of Care do They Offer?

Have you thought about the different levels of care you or your loved ones may need when you consider the options you have for future living arrangements?  While there are many different choices, including everything from independent living to nursing homes, many people have discovered the advantages of moving to a Life Plan Community, which are also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs.  These communities are designed to give peace of mind to people who are concerned about who will care for them as they age.  They combine many of the advantages of independent living with the security of knowing you will also have assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care available, if needed. Since this information is so important, I have invited one of these communities, the United Zion Retirement Community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to explain how these communities operate.  The information they have provided is very helpful and applies to similar types of communities across the United States.  Their guest post is below:

Four Levels of Care in a Life Plan Community

If you are a Baby Boomer, chances are you have been planning your sunset years for some time. You will be pleased to learn that senior living has advanced considerably over the years to include many new options. As you grow older, you will naturally become more curious about senior care services. Some of the questions you may have are:

What services will I require as I gradually advance in age?
Which type of senior community will best serve my needs?

To answer these questions, you may want to learn more about Life Plan Communities.

About Life Plan Communities

Life Plan Communities, also referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), (Ad) offer you various types of care, ranging from independent residential accommodations to nursing care which can provide assistance as your needs evolve.

It is essential you understand how supportive a Life Plan Community can be as you age. This will remove any concerns you might have about future health issues, such as memory loss and failing health. The following are the various types of care you should expect from a Life Plan Community, as well as some common differences:

1. Independent Residential Living Level

As is the case with most seniors, you will probably start considering retirement living several years before you actually need constant care. Independent residential senior living is convenient because it offers you cottages or apartments in a secure community of your peers.

In this environment, you will have the grounds care and maintenance handled for you. This will give you ample time to enjoy social and fitness activities with your fellow citizens. Such communities also provide standard on-campus amenities. These may include beauty parlors, fitness centers, medical services, transportation, and therapy services. With these essential services always close, you’ll achieve peace of mind in no time.

2. Personal Care Level

The Personal Care Level  (Ad) offers you extra services if you need help with daily living. As a resident, you will still be independent, but will have ready access to skilled staff who can assist you in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). These services may include grooming, performing household chores, medication administration, running errands, and incontinence management.

The support and pricing you receive will depend on the amount of assistance you require. Standard Personal Care packages usually include a minimum of three daily meals, linen service, housekeeping, and access to social amenities.

Personal Care units can vary from small efficiency apartments to single-room units equipped with a full bath. In some communities, you might be offered Assisted Living Services. This program resembles the Personal Care Level, but includes medical support.

3. Memory Care Level

As a senior, you might suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory loss complications. The Memory Care Level (Ad) aims to provide you with a tranquil, self-reliant environment which is both secure and comfortable. Memory Care is designed to preserve your self-dignity even if you are battling memory difficulties. Personnel is particularly trained to handle members who are undergoing brain changes.

Starting with prepared meals, to customized support from staff members, the whole environment is meticulously designed to offer ready assistance if you suffer from memory loss. Each activity is designed to fit your individual needs. Memory Care can either be a dedicated section, or a part of Personal Care and Healthcare facilities.

4. The Healthcare Center Level

Healthcare Centers offer you high-quality nursing and suitable custodial assistance, whether you are admitted for long-term or short-term rehabilitation. The medical treatment plan also includes care delivered by licensed nurses. This is a higher quality of care provided as an answer to either one-time or recurring medical conditions.

Short-term rehabilitation refers to a limited stay you undergo in a skilled nursing facility. This commonly occurs after a stroke, surgery, or other exceptional health problems. The temporary care is meant to ensure you receive both the treatment and crucial support you need before going back to your home.

Long-term care is a more exhaustive treatment choice. It is the best option if you have chronic ailments or progressive conditions such as dementia, multiple strokes or long-term disabilities. As a resident member of the community, you get immediate access to medical professionals anytime you need them. Such highly trained personnel can respond quickly to any health issues you raise.

Healthcare Centers also offer end-of-life care during the final chapter of their members’ lives. The care which is administered includes hospice care for those suffering from terminal illnesses. At this point, the focus shifts to making their final days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

The United Zion Retirement Community & the Life Plan Difference 

At United Zion Retirement Community, we have all the answers to your senior living-related questions. We offer high-quality care from our scenic hilltop location in Lititz, Lancaster County, PA.

Our full-range of services are designed to maintain your health, dignity, independence, and passion for life as you age. For more on the advantages of Life Plan Communities in general and United Zion’s services in particular, contact us today. (Ad)

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This article was provided by the operators of the United Zion Retirement Community and is designed to provide general information about how Life Plan or Continuing Care Communities operate.  The owner of this blog is NOT affiliated with United Zion and has NOT received any financial compensation for publishing this post.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Photo credit:   United Zion Life Plan Community