Whether planning to avoid a future crisis or scrambling to address an immediate need, navigating senior care options can be confusing and challenging. You or a loved one might wonder, “What level of care do I need in senior living?”
Levels of care for the elderly can look different between facilities and have varying criteria. The level of care your loved one needs can shape their senior living plan and influence many aspects of their community experience.
At Buckner Villas, we provide the entire continuum of care for senior living. A complete needs assessment must be completed before staff can develop a senior living plan. It is common for families to underestimate the level of care required, so professional caregivers need to be part of the assessment.
Call 512.580.9882 to learn about senior care options in TX, how to determine the right level of care for the elderly, and what we can do to help. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to answer all of your questions.
What Are the Levels of Care for Seniors?
Senior living options can accommodate the many needs in all senior life stages. What are the levels of care for seniors? They typically include the following:
Independent Living
Independent living is ideal for active seniors who want to get the most out of their retirement years, need little to no assistance with everyday tasks, and no longer want the hassles and responsibilities of home maintenance.
Assisted Living
Seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, and meal prep, or those who need transportation or medication management services, will thrive in our home-like environment while getting the help they need.
Memory Care
The Harbor, our memory care center, provides compassionate, dignified care for seniors with varying levels of memory impairment, such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. Seniors who get lost or disoriented or whose forgetfulness poses safety threats will benefit from memory care.
Respite Care
Family members who take on the caregiver role for seniors are at risk for burnout. Respite care offers temporary accommodations for seniors so caregivers can take a break to recharge, take a vacation, or deal with other issues.
What Is a Needs Assessment for Seniors?
With aging often comes the increased need for additional support. A needs assessment for seniors develops an accurate picture of a senior’s strengths and challenges. A needs assessment should include:
- A detailed list of current medications and what they are for
- A summary of their medical history
- Current cognitive and physical abilities
- Current level of social involvement
- Home safety concerns
- Driving ability
- Ability to manage bill paying and other financial affairs
- Nutritional needs
Our quick five-minute survey can serve as a starting point to help determine which level of care is best for your elderly parent or senior loved one.
Understanding the Different Types of Nursing Care for Seniors
Knowing the subtle differences in the different types of care for seniors is essential to ensuring that your elderly parent or loved one receives the care best suited to their needs.
- Custodial care – Custodial care helps with ADLs, including bathing and eating, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including housekeeping and meal prep.
- Assisted living vs. memory care – Both offer 24-hour supervision, personal care assistance, social activities, meals, and other amenities. Still, the memory care staff handles explicitly the unique needs and issues associated with dementia.
- Home care vs. home health care – Home care refers to custodial care, while home health care refers to a higher level of care that requires medical training.
No matter the care your senior loved one requires, they will receive the highest level of compassionate, individualized care at Buckner Villas, allowing them to live with dignity and as much independence as possible.
Call Today to Learn About Senior Care Options in Austin, TX, at Buckner Villas
Choosing a senior living provider for an elderly parent or loved one is complex. At Buckner Villas, Austin’s premier choice for senior living, we understand all that goes into your decision. Our experienced and compassionate staff are available to answer all of your questions.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment to learn what sets Buckner Villas apart from other retirement communities. Call 512.580.9882 today or complete our online form to get started.