Wouldn’t it be ideal to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment, even as your care needs change? For many seniors and their families, this is the perfect scenario.
Aging in place, supported by a robust continuum of care, is a key concern for those exploring senior living options. Levante Living recognizes this need and offers a comprehensive care system designed to ensure that seniors can remain in their residences while receiving the level of care they require.
But what does aging in place truly mean, and how does Levante Living support this vision?
What Does Aging in Place Mean?
If you’re like many older adults beginning their search for a retirement residence, you might assume all communities are more or less the same. However, digging a little deeper, it becomes apparent that there are several senior living options that support different levels of care. Some residences might offer only independent living with no access to care at all, while others, like long-term care, support those who can no longer live on their own and need 24-hour supervision.
Because moving to a retirement residence is a big decision, once they’ve moved in, most seniors would like the ability to stay in the retirement residence of their choice for as long as possible. But what happens if your needs change over time? Determining if your residence will be able to transition you from an independent living program (requiring no care) to independent supportive or assisted living (higher levels of care) will greatly improve your chances of staying in the community you love or having to move again.
When a retirement residence offers the option to “age in place” using a “continuum of care” they are referring to their ability to support your needs as they change over time so that you don’t have to move somewhere else. Knowing that you can get the care you need, without having to move again, is often a great relief to both older adults and their loved ones.
Understanding the Continuum of Care
The continuum of care refers to a comprehensive care model that allows seniors to transition through different levels of support as their needs evolve, all while staying in the same community. This approach is invaluable for aging in place, as it eliminates the stress of relocating when additional care is required.
Levante Living’s continuum of care offers a range of services, including:
- Independent Living: Ideal for seniors who require minimal assistance but enjoy the convenience of having services such as housekeeping, meals, and social activities available.
- Independent Supportive Living: Levante Living’s Thrive for Wellness program includes the option to add “a la carte” supportive services to meet your current needs. If those needs should change over time, you can revisit your care options and add additional individual support services without having to invest in a complete care package (Assisted Living).
- Assisted Living: This option provides more hands-on support with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management while still promoting independence. Assisted living at Levante is offered as a complete package for those who might have multiple care needs at a given time and wish to economize those costs through a care package.
- Memory Care: Specialized memory care offers a safe and supportive environment designed to meet the unique needs of seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. If this is a concern for you, make sure to check with your local Levante Living residence to see if memory care is offered.
By offering these varying levels of care, Levante Living ensures that seniors can continue living in a familiar environment while receiving the support they need.
Advantages of Aging in Place
There are numerous benefits to aging in place, especially when combined with a continuum of care model.
- Maintaining Independence: One of the most significant advantages of aging in place is the ability to retain autonomy. Seniors can make decisions about their daily lives, maintain their routines, and continue participating in their preferred activities. This sense of control can positively impact their overall well-being.
- Customized Care. Levante Living’s professional healthcare team meets with each resident to regularly to discuss their care needs and then designs a customized healthcare plan that makes sense, both now, and in the future.
- Familiar Environment: Staying in a familiar setting offers emotional and psychological benefits. Seniors often feel more comfortable and secure in surroundings they know well, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of belonging.
- Access to Services: Aging in place doesn’t mean going without support. In fact, it ensures that necessary services are available as needed. Whether it’s healthcare, housekeeping, or assistance with daily tasks, seniors can access the help they require without having to move.
- Peace of Mind for Families: Knowing that their loved one has a clear care plan in place can be incredibly reassuring for family members. The continuum of care at Levante Living reduces the uncertainty of future care needs by providing a structured approach to support.
- Smart Financial Planning. Having to move several times into different retirement residences to support evolving needs can prove to be costly. Choosing a residence with a continuum of care can save you the cost and the stress of moving.
The Role of Levante Living in Aging in Place
Levante Living is dedicated to supporting seniors as they age in place through our continuum of care. Our approach involves creating personalized care plans that cater to each resident’s unique needs. By doing so, we ensure that seniors receive the appropriate level of care, no matter how their circumstances change over time.
A standout feature of Levante Living is our Thrive for Wellness program, which promotes holistic well-being. From tailored nutrition plans to engaging social activities, we aim to provide a balanced lifestyle that enhances both physical and mental health. Our Independent Supportive Living option is designed for those who want to maintain independence while knowing that help is available when required.
We’ve seen the success of our aging-in-place model through the experiences of our residents. Families consistently tell us how much they value the seamless care transitions and the comfort of knowing their loved ones are supported, no matter what the future holds.
Practical Tips for Seniors and Families
Planning for aging in place requires thoughtful consideration of both current and future needs. Here are some practical steps for seniors and their families:
- Assess Current Health Needs: Understanding the current level of health and anticipating future care requirements is a crucial first step. Engaging with healthcare professionals can provide insights into what type of support may be needed down the line.
- Explore Senior Living Options: It’s important to choose a retirement community that offers a continuum of care. This ensures that as care needs evolve, seniors can stay in the same residence without the disruption of moving.
- Engage with Professionals: Whether it’s consulting with healthcare providers or speaking with senior living specialists, professional guidance can help families make informed decisions about the best care options.
Levante Living offers resources and support to help families navigate these decisions. We are committed to providing clear information and guidance, ensuring that seniors can age in place comfortably and confidently.
Aging in Place – Gently
Aging in place allows seniors to maintain independence and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings, while Levante Living’s continuum of care ensures that their changing needs are met with compassion and expertise. By staying in one community and transitioning seamlessly between different levels of care, seniors and their families can experience peace of mind and security.
Are you considering aging in place for your loved one? Levante Living is here to guide you through the process. Visit our Levels of Care page or contact us to learn how we can support your family’s needs.
