For most of us, there will come a time when additional care is needed for either ourselves or a loved one. Whether someone requires 24/7 medical care or assistance with activities of daily living, the wealth of available senior care options can make the process of finding the right community seem daunting. Before you start making phone calls and setting up tours, it’s important to first understand the basic differences in senior living options, which range from skilled nursing and memory care to independent and assisted living.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing facilities are designed for seniors with both acute and chronic medical conditions. Staffed with specialists, including physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists and audiologists, skilled nursing facilities help seniors recover after illness, injury or hospitalization and can provide long-term treatment for chronic conditions. In addition to specialized health care services, skilled nursing facilities offer lodging, food, medication management and social activities.

The cost of skilled nursing will differ based on the length of stay, treatment and accommodations. For example, shared or semi-private rooms are cheaper than private rooms. Skilled nursing stays are often covered by most insurance plans. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing stays under certain conditions for a limited time.

Memory Care

Memory care communities are designed specifically for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care units may be attached to larger assisted living communities, or you may find communities the exclusively offer memory care. Memory care residents are given round-the-clock care and supervision. Housekeeping, food, medication management and assistance with activities of daily living are also included. Oftentimes, memory care residents will have access to unique programming, such as art and music therapy as well as other sensory stimulation activities.

With this specialized programming comes a higher cost, but memory care can vastly improve quality of life for people living with dementia. It can also ease the burden on families since dementia can present difficult symptoms such as aggression, agitation and wandering.

Assisted and

Independent Living

For seniors in need of assistance with the activities of daily living, assisted living can be a great option. Assisted living communities allow seniors to retain a large amount of independence while also receiving assistance with daily activities, including eating, dressing and personal care, as well as medication management. Residents often live in suites or apartments and enjoy housekeeping, meals and a wealth of social activities.

Designed for active seniors who simply want an easier, more social lifestyle, independent living communities help seniors easily connect with their peers and offer them a variety of health, fitness and lifestyle amenities. Independent living communities can help seniors combat isolation and depression by immersing themselves in an inclusive community as they age.

The cost of assisted and independent living is quite varied and will differ depending on location, amenities and accommodations. Private residences with kitchens are typically more costly than shared suites with no cooking areas. Many assisted living communities charge each resident a base rate with additional charges added on depending on the services they require.

To further understand the senior care options available to you, as well as what health insurance will cover, it can be helpful to receive guidance from an unbiased party – consider connecting with a senior care advisor such as A Place for Mom or Caring.com, or a finding a geriatric care manager. The right community for you or your loved one is out there, and I wish you the best of luck in your search to find it.

Amanda Jillson, CCM, BSW, MS, CDP, is the Executive Director at Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua, a local memory care assisted living community located at 575 Amherst Street. She can be reached at ajillson@bridgesbyepoch.com.