How Do I Know Which Living Option Is Best For Me?

Senior living communities offer several living options to meet the wide-ranging needs of each resident. Without understanding the choices available, it can be difficult to determine which care type will benefit you. You may search for one care level but come to find out that another option is better.

Three common care levels offered are Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Communities may offer one or all three care levels. It's important to understand which care level is right and what the difference is between these options. As you plan for the future, keep in mind that your needs will change, and you may not need these care types in sequential order.

Determining a care level for a senior living resident is a very complex process, and several factors and assessments go into this evaluation. A formal evaluation will have to be completed by a healthcare professional at your senior living community to determine an accurate care level. This information is intended to give you a general idea of which option might be best. It does not replace the advice or assessment of a medical professional.

Below are some example scenarios to help determine which senior living option is best for you or a loved one. This is a tool to get you started as you plan for your future.

If these scenarios below sound familiar, you might consider a community that offers Independent Living:

• I am finding that daily activities and responsibilities around the home are getting more challenging and taking away from hobbies and activities that I enjoy.
• I can bathe independently.
• I can get dressed on my own.
• I still cook meals on my own but it would be nice to have company during mealtime.

Read about Robert, an Independent Living resident, to learn how Allegro helps him continue to lead a full and active lifestyle.

If these scenarios below sound familiar, you might consider a community that offers Assisted Living:

• I am finding that daily activities around the home are getting more challenging, on top of the fact that I need more help with personal care items at home.
• I need bathing equipment set up for me.
• I need help laying out clothes for the day.
• I need help getting ready in the morning.
• I need someone to help with cooking.
• I need someone to assist me in taking my medications.

Betty is an assisted living resident. Learn about her life at Allegro.

If these scenarios below sounds familiar, you might consider a community that offers Memory Care:

• I need more guidance in day-to-day activities and safety at home is starting to become a concern.
• I need someone nearby or one-on-one assistance while I am bathing.
• I need someone nearby or one-on-one assistance while I am getting dressed.
• I need someone nearby or one-on- one assistance while getting ready in the morning.
• I need someone nearby or one-on-one assistance with taking my medications.
• I need someone nearby or one-on-one assistance with meal preparation.

Allegro's Ensemble program helps seniors like Alice with their Memory Care needs.

Finding the right senior living community is a difficult process but understanding care levels and what is involved in each one can ease the transition. Contact an Allegro Senior Living Advisor today to explore care options at Allegro.