When looking to the future, or even right now, have you thought about your or your loved one's care needs? Gracefully aging at home may be the consensus, but senior living can afford a better lifestyle than you might have imagined. Senior living communities have a lot to offer: an inviting atmosphere with friendly staff, private and shared apartments with homelike amenities, healthy meals, a diversely planned activities calendar, group outings, and wellness programs to enhance residents' overall well-being. But with the different senior living choices, how do you know which option is right for you? Read on to distinguish each term. Independent Living is for seniors who do not require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. These communities focus on managing everyday chores like housekeeping and maintenance. Residents focus on building new connections and exploring hobbies and other interests without the restrictions of traditional homeownership. Personal Care and Assisted Living. Most people would use the terms interchangeably; however, in 2011, Pennsylvania legislation sought to make a distinction. Both offer housing, three meals a day, assistance with activities of daily living, and medication management. Staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In contrast, assisted living provides some skilled health care services to supplement personal care.Memory Care is long-term care for seniors living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. These neighborhoods provide a secure and tranquil environment with structured programs and activities that instill fulfillment. Caregivers receive specialized training to support the changing needs of these residents. Nursing Homes provide round-the-clock clinical care overseen by trained medical personnel that encompasses skilled nursing services like IV therapy or wound care to treat chronic and acute health conditions. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called Life Plan Communities, provide multiple levels of care on one campus. These care levels include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. CCRCs require an entrance fee; the national average is approximately $300,000 to $350,000. Cost factors vary per location, housing option, and residency contract.At Senior Commons at Powder Mill in York, residents benefit from three levels of careindependent living, personal care, and memory careall within its campus, eliminating the need to move should their care needs change. Plus, there is no hefty buy-in fee!Editors Note: This articlewas contributed by Michelle Poole, marketing director at Senior Commons atPowder Mill Independent Living, Personal Care, and Memory Care.  www.powdermill.com. 

As you age, your future care plans may become a topic of conversation among your family members. Most seniors scoff at the idea of senior living communities. Still, many places that feature personal care services have the potential to renew your sense of purpose and improve your quality of life.Here are five ways personal care communities can help you to live better:Daily Support. A little help goes a long way. With 24-hour personal care services, staff members are available to assist you with dressing, bathing, and grooming. Many senior living communities include light housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance in the rental fee, so youre free to conquer the day on your terms. Safety. A fall-related injury could be detrimental to your health; even a fear of falling can keep you homebound. Personal care communities are designed with mobility challenges in mind, offering fall prevention programs and emergency call systems.Food. Leave the food preparations to the Dining Director. Most communities provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on nutrition without sacrificing taste. Special dietary needs are also accommodated.Engagement. Through social, recreational, and educational programs, personal care communities can nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Senior Commons at Powder Mill in York engages its residents with an array of activities and events designed to foster meaningful relationships. Activities include card games, on-site entertainment, guest speakers, shopping and scenic excursions, devotions and more.  Fitness. Personal care communities provide on-site fitness classes like circuit training and yoga to help maintain your strength, mobility, and balance, so you remain as independent as possible.At Senior Commons, residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve with a focus on preserving overall wellness through life-enhancing programs and services. To find out if a move to a senior living community is right for you, schedule a tour to meet the staff and residents.Editors Note: This article was contributed by Kelly Golden, marketing director at Senior Commons at Powder Mill, which provides Independent Living, Personal Care, and Memory Care on one campus.