Senior Living Options for Your Aging Loved One in Western New York
Western New York is full of different senior living options for the elderly, offering different amenities and levels of care. The right type of facility will depend on your loved one and any conditions they may have.
As you're browsing through the different options, you'll see 5 main types of care to choose from.
1. Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living facilities are a type of residential care that provides seniors with personalized support while allowing them to maintain independence where possible. These facilities are designed for individuals needing help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. preparation. Limited nursing services may be available, while other
medical agencies may need to visit on-site to provide additional services. If a senior needs
continuous medical services, a nursing home may be a better fit. but do not require intensive
medical care in a nursing home. Daily activity calendars often offer a variety of activities for a
senior to enjoy throughout the day.
Assisted Living facilities offer different types of rooms or apartments, but being in a community like these allows your loved one to feel the comforts of home while receiving the care they need to make safety a priority. Staff are available around the clock to respond to resident requests or emergencies.
2. Memory Care Communities
Memory care facilities are designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory-related conditions. These facilities create a safe and structured environment with staff trained to handle these memory impairments. Memory care facilities offer a variety of activities and specialized services that are geared towards this population, making the day more engaging and meaningful.
Many of these facilities offer secured doors to deter wandering and other security features to enhance the safety of their residents. Limited nursing services may be available and additional medical providers may visit to provide additional services. Often, rooms or apartments in memory care facilities are smaller, to feel less overwhelming for the resident and encourage more social interaction outside their room.
3. Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are residential options for senior citizens who are still fairly active and can live independently. This type of housing offers access to amenities and some social activities. In these facilities, residents typically have their own private apartment or home in addition to shared facilities and services. If any care or assistance is needed, it would need to be scheduled independently with an outside provider and maintained by the resident or the resident’s representative.
These apartments often have kitchens where a senior may cook their own meals but the community would also offer a dining room where meal packages can be purchased and daily options are available.
4. Nursing Homes
A Nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility or long-term care facility, provides round-the-clock medical care and supervision for seniors who require a higher level of assistance than other care options due to chronic illness, injury, or significant health issues. These facilities offer activities throughout the day and meals for specific dietary needs.
Additionally, these facilities often have the highest amount of certified and licenses staff out of the facilities listed in this article, as they need to consistently provide more enhanced care and medical services to the residents.
5. In-Home Care Services
In-home care services aren’t facilities at all. These services allow seniors to stay in their homes while care employees come to you. Seniors and their representatives need to consider their obligations in scheduling and planning their own staff
to come into the home. Socialization, activities, safety measures and meals also need consideration for ongoing comfort and security for a senior to stay at home. This option allows for a senior to stay in the comfort of their own home but does have limitations on how much care and support they may receive.
Deciding the Right Facility
Now that you know your options, it’s important to consider your loved one to decide what’s best for them. Consider the different aspects of their health: their physical, cognitive, social and medical needs.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider their preferences and safety needs. Does the facility offer activities they would enjoy? Are the menus being updated with items your loved one would like? If your loved one needs more care in the future, what services are offered here?
When in doubt, contact a professional who can help you consider your loved one’s needs and explore the financial options.
Choosing a Facility
Once you’ve decided on the type of facility, you’ll be able to evaluate your options. In Western New York, you have many options that are close to home. They all offer their own features and amenities and have different standards of care.
To start narrowing down your options, right down a list of facilities you’re considering and note why. What features make it unique? Why are you interested in this facility?
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, start visiting the facilities. With a tour, you and your elderly loved one will be able to get a feel for the facility and determine if they would be comfortable there.
Touring Tennyson Court
As you’re considering communities, make sure Tennyson Court is on your list. We offer high-quality assisted living and memory care in Williamsville and Western New York. Schedule a tour with us today and learn more about what we have to offer our residents.