News & Blog

Defining the Continuum of Care at a Life Plan Community 

Many senior living communities offer life plans that cater to a resident’s changing needs. At a Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), residents can receive health care services based on their own health journeys. As these needs change, so does the care, allowing residents to remain independent for longer.  

CCRC’s are a top choice for many aging seniors because they allow you to access assistance based on your health, goals, and abilities, if needed. When you first move, you’ll have the same freedom and independence as you did at your previous home, but without all the home maintenance and managing every meal. In a CCRC, if your health changes and you need more advanced care, you won’t have to leave the community to access it; you may not even have to leave your current apartment.  

What does a continuum of care really mean? 

Having a continuum of care available to you simply means that, as you live your current independent life at the community, should your health needs change, the place you already live is equipped to meet those needs on the same campus, and often without leaving your current residence. This can bring incredible peace of mind to you, your partner, and/or your family, knowing that there is a plan in place if needed. 

It’s about living in a community that prioritizes your overall well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual and social needs. In fact, people who live at Life Plan Communities tend to stay healthier longer than those who don’t.  

What types of care options exist in a continuum of care?   

Here’s an overview of the types of services offered throughout the continuum: 

Independent living – With independent living, residents live the same life they lived prior to moving, in their own private apartment, alone or with their partner, but enhanced with a maintenance free life full of social activities, flexible dining, fitness classes, and events galore.  

Assisted living – Assisted Living focuses on providing as-needed assistance alongside a mostly independent lifestyle. Assisteed living focuses on the resident’s needs and goals. In combination with what the resident is capable of, trained staff can assist with daily needs like bathing and dressing to medication management or anything else to keep the resident healthy and generally independent. These needs might be medical or nonmedical.    

Skilled Nursing/Rehab – Residents recovering from an injury, severe illness, or surgery typically spend time with an experienced nursing team. The one-on-one care at a short-term rehabilitation center allows residents to recover fully and return to their independent apartments. Skilled nursing/rehab typically includes on-campus staff, RNs, LPNs, and other medical providers to ensure quality care and assistance to residents who need it while still providing them with a social and meaningful lifestyle.    

Memory Care – In Memory Care, residents receive a high level of around-the-clock medical and mental care. This care is typically for residents showing signs of cognitive decline related to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This level of care helps to give the resident a sense of dignity while still taking care of all their needs. It also relieves many stresses of around-the-clock supervision for residents’ families and caregivers.    

All levels in the continuum of care focus on providing residents with a safe, quality, and meaningful lifestyle. Living in a community with a continuum of care available allows residents to remain independent for longer and enjoy their retirement fully.  

If this independent way of life with a plan for any future healthcare needs aligns with the vision you have for your future, explore different senior living communities that offer the continuum of care today.   

——————————————————————————————————————–   

The Ormsby understands the importance of independent living, but also the value of having a plan in place for the future. Learn more about The Ormsby, a Life Plan Community and more on their website or by calling 1-859-331-1490.