While assisted living communities have many amenities, such as transportation and engagement programs, a primary reason for assisted care is to receive support and aid with personal needs. Assisted living communities are designed to provide specialized care for older adults regardless of their mobility level.
When choosing an assisted living community in Tampa, FL, it’s important to explore what each community can provide to meet your current needs, as well as potential future needs. Next in this blog we’ll help you understand what determines levels of care, what is considered low and high levels of care, memory care, and knowing what type of care is right for you or a loved one.
What Determines Levels of Care?
Levels of care at assisted living communities are largely based on activities of daily living. Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and walking. Depending on how many activities of daily living a resident needs assistance with, determines what level of care they receive. It’s important to understand what determines the levels of care at each specific community you visit. In addition, it’s important to understand in advance if there are care needs that cannot be accommodated within the community.
Offering multiple levels of care, as well as care that is flexible and unique to you, provides residents with the ability to receive the care in the areas they need support, and remain independent in other areas. Additionally, levels of care are priced to reflect the amount of support being received.
Lower Care Needs
Oftentimes, when residents first move into a community they fall into a low care level. Residents needing a low level of care will benefit from some assistance from the compassionate caregivers and experienced staff within a community, but manage much of their day to day independently. They may need some assistance with dressing, or supervision while bathing, but can primarily manage their daily hygiene on their own. Residents with lower care needs may receive assistance with medication reminders, but are able to attend meals and programs without prompting. In addition, they can ambulate to these events either independently or with the help of a walker or wheelchair, that they can use on their own. These residents typically feel comfortable communicating their needs and asking for assistance when needed.
Higher Care Needs
One of the best facets of certain assisted living communities in Tampa, FL, is the ability for older adults to age in place. As a resident’s needs change, the community can increase their level of care and adjust plans as well as partner with family members to accommodate the changes accordingly. Residents living in an assisted living community receiving high care needs require more hands-on assistance on a regular basis. These residents will need assistance with daily bathing, dressing, and using the restroom. They will often also receive assistance both for the morning and evening routines, as well as some support throughout the day. For example, residents will receive reminders for meals and medications, and may need assistance moving from one place to another.
Memory Care
Some assisted living communities in Tampa, FL, offer specialized memory care neighborhoods. These are portions of an assisted living or senior living community that are designed for residents living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. In addition to having engagement programs designed for people with cognitive decline, they are frequently secured and are staffed by team members trained in these conditions. Team members are trained to provide care in a way that meets the needs of the residents, while ensuring the most independence possible. Some residents of a memory care neighborhood may be able to complete activities of daily living independently, but need the reminders and security offered at the community.
Who Determines the Level of Care Needed?
The level of care needed is determined by the assisted living community you select. Prior to moving in, new residents will receive an assessment to create a care plan, based on their unique needs. In many cases, family members may be included to provide a well rounded assessment. After moving in, care needs are frequently reassessed at intervals in the year to accommodate any changes that may arise.
If an assisted living community in the beautiful city of Tampa, FL, seems like the right fit for you, stop in for a tour at Arbor Terrace Citrus Park. Our team of trained professionals and compassionate caregivers are happy to discuss your unique situation as well as how your care needs can be accommodated within the community, both now and in the future.
