So many terms get batted around when the conversation turns to senior living that it can be quite confusing. It’s true that not all communities are alike, and some offer unique benefits that might appeal to you more than others. The terms ‘aging in place’ and ‘continuum of care’, although sounding similar in concept, are actually quite different. Let’s take a look at each, what they mean, and the advantages that each offers.
Continuum of Care
For the sake of this article, continuum of care is somewhat synonymous with a type of senior living communities known as Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). These communities are designed to provide increasing levels of services that might be needed by a resident as they age, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing care all on one campus. The resident typically can remain in their residence even as their care needs increase. A hallmark of CCRCs are high entry fees, commonly in the six figures. For more information on CCRCs, check out these informative articles: “How Continuing Care Retirement Communities Work“ by the AARP, and “What Is a CCRC?” on whereyoulivematters.org.
Aging in Place in Assisted Living
Aging in place in an assisted living community means that, as the resident’s care needs increase as they get older, they can remain in their residence.
Aging in Place: The Benefits to Seniors
No need to move again. Having multiple levels of care available in one place means you and your spouse do not have to move to another community should your needs change. This allows you to really settle into your new home and put away both the packing boxes and the worry of relocating. Even if one of you eventually requires a higher level of care, the staff who serve as an extension of family help you move seamlessly into another section of the community.
Keep your friends. Growing older brings lots of changes, but aging in place gives you one very big advantage: you can build and nurture friendships that stay with you, no matter which part of a community you reside in. That’s important in a time of life when loss of abilities or childhood friends becomes more common. And as we’ve all seen firsthand, going through challenges such as a pandemic is easier when you have familiar faces around you and a professional staff following safety guidelines.
Health services and nursing staff on-site. Aging in place benefits seniors with the reassurance that caregivers are there for you when you need them. You most likely will have the opportunity to get to know them before you are under their care. In addition, you are living in an environment that promotes all aspects of wellness: nutrition, fitness, mental and emotional health, and more. It feels good to know quality care is right there.
Easier for your family. Knowing you are in a comfortable, vibrant, and wellness-oriented atmosphere can be hugely reassuring for your family. Your adult children can relax knowing that if a need suddenly arises in the middle of the night, someone is there who can offer assistance. But the benefits of aging in place go further: you are free to be who you want to be, to live life on your terms, and to fill your days doing what you love most.
Strong attention on safety. In an assisted living community, you will find a strong emphasis on health and safety protocols. Whether it’s following guidelines for vaccinations, masking, and visitor screening, or a community-wide commitment to the highest levels of sanitation, each person’s well-being comes first.
Fully enjoy the freedom of retirement. Immerse yourself into a Senior Star community of warm, friendly faces who quickly become like family and a setting that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. You’ll be surprised how quickly you feel at home!
We do everything we can to make a positive difference in the lives of Senior Star residents. Schedule a virtual or in-person tour to meet our team and learn more about life in a Senior Star community. And download the Family Decision Toolkit: Your A–Z Guide To Choosing The Right Senior Living Community.
