As we grow older, it’s not uncommon to find that we’re ready for an easier lifestyle, one that no longer requires the challenges of home upkeep or driving.

Or we might discover that our parents could use a helping hand around the house with a few of the daily tasks.

Depending on their health, they may need the services of memory care if they’ve been diagnosed with dementia or the care of a skilled nursing community if their needs require access to 24/7 attention.

But many families are unfamiliar with all the options available, including services that can be brought into the home.

Senior living care options

The good news is that there are several choices so your family will be able to find the perfect solution – to not only meet the needs of your parents or other loved ones but to help them enjoy a higher quality of life.

The following is a summary of the types of senior living available and the services they provide:

Senior living care option #1: Independent living

These communities are designed for active adults who continue to live independently but are searching for an easier, yet fulfilling lifestyle. Assistance with health care or daily tasks are not included but could be brought into the home if needed.

Independent living communities typically provide the following:

• Accessible and age-friendly private residences with full-sized kitchens 
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Variety of activities and amenities
• Social events and entertainment
• Opportunities to make new friends
• Convenience of dining options
• Scheduled transportation
• Security and safety features
• Maintenance-free living

Senior living care option #2: Assisted living

These communities provide help to those who remain mostly independent but need assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming, dressing or managing their medications.

There are many advantages to an assisted living community, including the benefits of social interaction, meeting others and avoiding loneliness and the isolation that can occur as an individual grows older.

Although each community can differ, the following are typical services you’ll often find available:

• Private residence that can be personalized to make it home
• Daily assistance with personal tasks
• Support for living an independent and engaged life
• Dining programs
• Activities and amenities
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Social events and opportunities to meet and make new friends
• Scheduled transportation
• Security and safety features
• Maintenance-free living

Senior living care option #3: Memory care

If loved ones have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may be cared for by family. But as a progressive disease, there often comes a time when their care needs exceed what can be provided at home.

Memory care communities are designed specifically to care for those with dementia. You will typically find these services available:

• Community, residences and common areas are designed to minimize frustration and help orient the person to their surroundings, while encouraging the freedom of movement.
• A staff that is specially trained in the best practices and responses for those living with dementia.
• A low staff-to-resident ratio so that additional care and attention is available.
• Therapy programs and activities tailored to the individuals and their needs
• Availability of nutritional food and assistance with eating
• Support to live as independently and an engaged life as possible  

Senior living care option #4: Skilled Nursing

For those individuals who are no longer able to care for themselves and need around-the-clock attention, skilled nursing communities provide this level of care.

Residents are often frail or living with chronic health conditions that make them dependent on others for their daily needs.

These communities typically provide:

• Health care as needed
• Assistance with personal care
• Private or semi-private rooms
• Nutritional meals and snacks 
• Activities and assistance to participate
• Scheduled transportation

These communities may also provide rehabilitative care for those individuals who have been injured, had surgery or are recovering from an illness but aren’t yet ready to return home. Their medical team may arrange for them to recuperate where physical and occupational therapy and 24/7 assistance is available.

Senior living care option #5: In-home services

Your parent might be able to continue living independently in their home with the assistance of others.

Family and neighbors may provide help when possible but often when the needs increase, it may require outside services to be brought into the home.

Home care agencies typically can provide the following:

• Companion visits
• Help with light housekeeping and laundry
• Shopping and preparing meals
• Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
• Transportation to medical appointments

It should be noted however that if healthcare is required, the family will need to engage the services of home health care agencies.

The Charleston Senior Community

Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.

The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support them to live their best life.

Consider a few of our amenities:

•       Chef-led dining program
•       Community movie theater
•       Salon
•       Ballroom
•       Live entertainment
•       Outdoor patio
•       Social lounges
•       Housekeeping

If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide to help when deciding between home and senior living, Should You Stay or Should You Go?