Senior Commons at Powder Mill

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.