The Levels of Care in Assisted Living: A Complete Guide (& More)

You may have heard that not all assisted living facilities offer the same level of care. It’s true. Depending on the support and resources available, levels of care may differ. The question is: how do you know which level of care — and facility — is best for you and your loved ones? We get that understanding the types of care in an assisted facility isn’t always easy. Seniors and family members of seniors: your care is our top priority. Whether you’re ready to move today or are considering assisted living in the future, it’s important to have a strong understanding of your options. When it comes to learning more about the levels of care provided in an assisted living facility, we’re here to simplify the process. In this article, we’ll dive into what to expect at each of the three levels of care in assisted living facilities. Level up your understanding of assisted living care with Village Walk’s complete guide to the levels of care in assisted living. Key article takeaways What to know about assisted living levels of care? At its core, assisted living levels are determined by how much help a person needs with activities of daily living (ADLs). Common ADLs include bathing, grooming, using the restroom, dressing, transferring from a bed to a chair, medication management, and more. Every assisted living facility defines levels of care with ADLS in a different way. Some facilities use five levels, and others use three. What’s important to note is that as levels increase, the amount of attention and care does as well. At Village Walk, our assisted living facility divides care into three different levels. The three levels of care explained In our assisted living facility, the levels of care goes as follows: Level 1: minimal help and care needed Residents receiving level one assisted living care require little support for daily living. For example, a resident receiving level one care may need a short wake-up call in the morning and reminders to take their medication throughout the day. Residents in this category often don’t need much supervision as they complete ADLs. But if a resident needs more help, they can ask to move into higher levels of care. The next level up is level two, where residents receive moderate hands-on care. Level 2: moderate hands-on care for ADLs In level two, residents continue to show a level of independence. Seniors in level two often can feed themselves, but they may need help with other ADLs. Residents in level two often need help with ADLs like dressing, grooming, and medication management. Balancing a senior’s need for hands-on support and desire for independence is what level two is all about. Level 3: Ongoing assistance with daily living At this level, seniors struggle to do most ADLs without assistance and supervision. Here at Village Walk, level three means more than one caregiver is present. In level three, older adults often need help completing most tasks of daily life. Caregivers complete most ADLs for residents. Some assisted living facilities offer extra help beyond level three. In these facilities, many caregivers, frequent assessments, and round-the-clock care are provided to residents. At Village Walk, we offer memory care for those who need extra support beyond level three. A few words on enhanced assisted living care “But wait, where does enhanced assisted living care fit in?” you might be wondering. We’d be doing you an injustice if we didn’t explain enhanced assisted living care to you. “Enhanced assisted living” is a more supportive version of independent living for older adults. In other communities, enhanced assisted living may refer to assisted living as a catch-all for care that’s a step below memory care. Adults in enhanced assisted living facilities may receive all the same services and support as an assisted living facility, but residents may also receive skilled nursing and more involved medical care. Residents receiving enhanced assisted living are often strong candidates for assisted living or memory care. Whether adding extra companion care or a skilled nurse, enhanced assisted living has many different meanings depending on the facility.  When extra care is needed Generally, the best way to help decide whether a senior could use extra care is by looking at ADLs and caregivers. The more hands-on help and personal care that’s needed, the more likely seniors will need a higher level of care. Village Walk checks in with families often to determine whether a senior’s care plan is right for them. Our assisted living residents always have different levels of care available to them. Those needing a higher level of care need only speak with one of our qualified staff members to receive the appropriate level of care for their needs. A breakdown of the levels of care in assisted living Level Type of Care Level 1 1. Minimal help and care needed2. Little to no supervision is needed to complete activities of daily living Level 2 1. A mix of hands-on help and supervision provided2. Some help and hands-on care needed with at least 1 activity of daily living Level 3 1. Ongoing support and supervision needed2. Seniors need help with 2 or more activities of daily living and supervision Memory Care 1. Provides ongoing support and supervision as needed2. Specialized staff help residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive health needs How assisted living facilities assess the care needed Whether your loved one needs intensive care or minimal support, assisted living facilities conduct a series of tests to determine how much support to provide. The most common ways to determine which of the various levels of care is best for a senior is with the following: A needs-based assessment Before solidifying the services and care for a resident, senior living communities conduct a needs-based assessment. In partnership with healthcare professionals, assisted living staff conduct this assessment to determine the right level of care needed to meet a senior’s needs. Most assessments involve testing for physical and cognitive health, including: The

Seniors: Who Qualifies for Assisted Living (Eligibility and More)?

As we age, our health and independence become more and more important. It’s no surprise that assisted living can be an attractive option as we glide into our later years. With so many different requirements, perks, and criteria for entry, it’s down right tough to know who qualifies (and doesn’t) for assisted living. We understand, and we want to let you know that we’re here for you. If you’re struggling to find comprehensive information about who qualifies for assisted living, you’ve come to the right place. At Village Walk in Patchogue, New York, we’re here to answer all your questions. Join us! In this article, we’ll discuss what the qualifications and admission criteria are for assisted living. We’ll also cover potential reasons for disqualification as well as what comes next if you’re approved for assisted living. Key article takeaways Who qualifies for assisted living (a brief overview)? Assisted living is most appropriate for individuals who need the following: Assisted living is not for individuals who need continuous supervision and extensive medical care, or who live with conditions like Lewy Body dementia. Residents requiring five or more hours a day of medical or personal care would be best suited for memory care or other forms of long-term care. The qualifications explained It’s all fine and well to know that those who need less help can qualify for assisted living. But what does “less help” look like? When we say “less help” and “qualified,” residents must have a stable amount of mental and physical fitness and independence when it comes to participating in daily activities. We’ll describe each of these terms in greater detail in the next sections. Daily help is needed To qualify for assisted living, residents must need help with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) from the following list: When assisted living may be a viable option Residents can receive a high level of care in assisted living. However, they wouldn’t be eligible for care if they required round-the-clock monitoring. George is an 83-year-old male who lives on his own. For the most part, George has been able to cook, garden, and clean around the house for the bulk of his life. On a recent visit home, his son, Joe, noticed that George has been forgetting to take his medication. Joe notices George has been unsteady when rising out of his lazy boy armchair. Tom worries. He doesn’t want his dad to fall — or worse — need to go to the emergency room on account of skipping medication. George agrees. Together, they set up a consultation with an assisted living facility coordinator. Joe explains his dad’s forgetfulness and unsteady knees. Based on Tom’s concerns, the assisted living coordinator thinks George would qualify to live in an assisted living facility. Residents: predictability and stability is a must If a resident is predictable, stable, and doesn’t need 24/7 monitoring or a high level of care, they’re eligible for assisted living. To clarify, residents can receive a high level of care in assisted living. But, they wouldn’t be eligible to continue living in an assisted living facility if they needed round-the-clock monitoring. Let’s take a look at one more example to hammer this point home. An example: when assisted living may be right for you Joe’s mom, Amber, lives with high blood pressure and arthritis. She hasn’t been able to take care of her high blood pressure with diet, exercise, and appropriate medications. She recently entered a skilled nursing facility per her doctor’s recommendations. After a few short weeks learning to eat the right foods, exercise, and take her medications, Amber’s doctor felt she could now care for her health on her own. Amber wanted to join Tom’s dad, George, at George’s facility. So, she reached out to a concierge staff member to check if she qualified for assisted living. In this scenario, Amber can be discharged from skilled nursing care and move to assisted living with her husband. Because Amber is predictable, stable, and doesn’t need 24/7 monitoring or a high level of care, she is eligible for assisted living. When a person isn’t eligible for assisted living You might be wondering, “Are there any situations where a person wouldn’t be eligible to live in an assisted living facility?” Many senior living options have certain criteria for admission. With assisted living, staff have the right to deny admission if the care needed exceeds what the facility can offer. If a senior could jeopardize the safety and health of other residents, the senior may be denied admission to an assisted living facility. Some of the most common conditions for disqualification include seniors who have severe memory impairments, who need extensive medical care, or who are bedridden. Seniors with severe memory impairments Seniors with severe memory impairments aren’t often the best candidates for assisted living. For example, patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s often have trouble eating or have behavioral issues. Patients with severe memory impairments could be prone to wandering. Since assisted living residents are free to come and go as they please, those with severe memory impairments could be a danger to themselves in an assisted living facility. Patients with severe memory impairments are better suited for memory care. Some care facilities offer both memory care and assisted living in one building. For example, should a resident decide they need a higher level of care — or no longer meet the eligibility requirements for assisted living — they can transition into an on-site memory care facility. At Village Walk, we offer both assisted living and memory care on our premises. Residents can rest assured that their friends, belongings, and care plan will stay with them when they transition to memory care.  Extensive mental or physical care needed By the same token, certain medical needs can disqualify a person from assisted living. Assisted living facilities may not have the staff, access to treatment, or care needed to provide medical support for specific injuries or accidents. These patients are often

Unpacking Assisted Living: The 5 Levels of Care in Assisted Living

Choosing assisted living is a huge undertaking. While you may know that you or your loved one could use extra care, finding the right level of care isn’t always as easy as it looks. After all, choosing the right care situation — one that includes quality care without sacrificing independence, freedom, and privacy — is challenging. With so many different facilities and care programs to choose from, no wonder the decision can be daunting and downright confusing. We’d like to be the solution for you. Welcome to Village Walk.  For almost a decade, Village Walk has been Patchogue, New York’s preferred provider of quality assisted living care. We’ve proven we have the right combination of experience and knowledge to help seniors navigate the five levels of assisted living care. If you’re wondering what’s included in the 5 levels of care in assisted living and at each level of care of assisted living, look no further. We offer thoughtfully designed suites with flexible personal care plans that can change as your needs change. With us, we help residents live the life they want, so they can continue to pursue their passions on their terms. We’ll discuss what each of the five levels of care is in assisted living to help determine whether assisted living is right for you or your loved one. Let’s walk through the five levels of care in assisted living together. Key article takeaways The five levels of care in assisted living Before unpacking the five levels of care in assisted living facilities, we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t explain what assisted living is. Assisted living refers to a variety of services and care offered to senior citizens. From help with activities of daily living (ADL) to physical rehabilitation to mobility support, assisted living encompasses holistic senior care. Older adults looking for help with housekeeping, dressing, bathing, cooking, taking medications, or socializing can receive quality care and supervision from a skilled assisted living staff member. Assisted living care can range from zero help to full-time help. For example, with Village Walk, we hold events that teach residents how to best care for their health needs. The following sections will explore what the amount of help — organized by level of care —  looks like in practice. Level one: no assistance needed Residents in the first level of assisted living care require hardly any (if any) assistance from assisted living staff. Many residents in level-one care don’t have serious health complaints and don’t often need advanced medical treatment. Older adults in level one engage in social activities with minimal help. Residents receiving level one care live with a high degree of freedom, autonomy, and independence. In general, level one care looks like that of the care offered at an independent living facility. Level two: low assistance needed As levels of care increase, so does the amount of care provided. In level two, assisted living residents tend to have minor impairments or health problems. Many seniors can perform most of their activities of daily living (ADLs) but may need gentle reminders to do so. In level two, residents receive little help with housekeeping and social activities. Level three: moderate assistance In level three, many residents can’t manage life without some help. These residents tend to be more vulnerable in emergencies. At this care level, caregivers provide cues and reminders to perform ADLs. Caregivers offer help because residents may not move, talk, or remember events as quickly. Residents may also experience cognitive decline, have reduced physical mobility, and have diminished sensory awareness. Senior citizens receiving level three care often also need extra support and motivation to engage in social activities. Residents may also need more hands-on assistance than in levels one or two. Level four: high amount of assistance needed In level four, caregivers provide varying levels of care and services for seniors. Most seniors needing level four care need help with basic activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and other light ADLs. Some residents also receive help with meal preparation and medication management. In senior living communities offering level four care, residents tend to have more health complications and memory impairments. Residents at this level also often need more encouragement to take part in social and recreational activities. Level five: full assistance with daily living activities Residents in level five require comprehensive, specialized care. Whether getting out of bed, taking medications, making meals, or dressing, seniors using level-five care need help with most tasks. Many residents at this level may have dementia or Alzheimer’s, and many need care for pre-existing medical conditions. A senior receiving level-five care might have many caregivers for various complex medical conditions. Residents’ ability to socialize may be limited. Senior citizens receiving level five care may need more help to do so. Breaking down assisted living by level and factor Area of Concern Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Help needed with ADLs None Low amount of assistance Moderate amount of assistance High amount of assistance Full assistance needed Help for medical concerns Almost no  assistance needed Small amount of assistance needed Low amount of assistance needed Moderate amount of assistance needed High amount of assistance needed Cognitive decline or impairment Non-existent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe # of caregivers present/needed 0 or 1 1 1 1 or more 2 or more Socializing Fully able Fully able Able but requires reminders Somewhat able and needs help Limited or unable to socialize “This place is amazing.” – Marie G. “I visited this facility with my coworker to volunteer and every single faculty member I encountered was treating the residents with kindness, care, and respect. The Director of Life Enrichment was kind enough to give us a tour and teach us more about the Village Walk facility. Village Walk has a full itinerary of programs for the residents throughout the day including board games, musical experiences, movie nights, and so much more. We were lucky enough to get in on

What Are the Pros and Cons of Assisted Living (For the Elderly)?

Dozens of studies show that healthcare, education, and income level can impact how long you live. You might be asking yourself: how do I choose the best care for myself and my elderly loved ones? How can I live a long and healthy life, and how can I maintain my independence all the while? Here at Carlisle Communities, we’re asked these questions all the time. For more than 20 years, we’ve provided assisted living to seniors seeking vibrant, engaged, and active lives. If you’re wondering about the differences between assisted living and home care — and how assisted living can impact the health and happiness of you or your loved one — look no further. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of assisted living. We’ll also look at how assisted living can impact you as you coast into the waters of your Golden Years. Key Article Takeaways Assisted living: a definition It’s important to know the difference between assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Assisted living refers to living communities and health care for those who need help with daily care. The difference between assisted living and other care lies in how much help is needed. Assisted living facilities tend to provide residents with more independence. Assisted living facilities provide help for people who want freedom to live but who need minor help with daily activities. Memory care or skilled nursing care generally requires a more involved level of care. Next, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of receiving long-term care at assisted living centers. Pro: Receive much-needed help with daily activities Whether you need help with dressing, bathing, preparing meals, or hosting events, many seniors enjoy assisted living because they receive help with daily activities. Assisted living staff are available around the clock to provide care for daily living activities.  Many facilities make meals served in a restaurant-style environment and are quite accommodating of today’s seniors’ ever-evolving care needs. One of the greatest benefits of assisted living comes down to the level of attention provided for daily activities. Receiving help for daily activities may be one of the number one reasons to move to assisted living communities. Con: Extra help can cost money Alas, requesting extra help comes with an additional cost. Moving into an assisted living can cost upwards of $4,500 per month, according to data from a Statista.com survey. For those with chronic health conditions and who need more extensive care and support, assisted living may cost more. To ensure loved ones are kept safe, many people choose to sell personal possessions to afford the cost of assisted living and senior care. The tradeoff is better safety, security, and good health. Did you know? “Did you know that moving to a senior living community can help combat isolation and strengthen your immune system? Read all about how senior living leads to successful aging here.” – Village Walk Senior Living Pro: More safety and security for seniors Assisted living facilities often hire security staff to keep residents safe. Elderly people can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their living quarters are watched over by trained security personnel. What’s more, employees of assisted facilities are often trained to provide life-saving medical support —like CPR — to residents. Assisted living can be the perfect option for seniors looking for a safe and secure living environment. Con: Quality of medical care varies by provider Alas, different assisted living facilities contract with different healthcare providers. As a result, quality medical care can vary by assisted living location and facility. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s may not find the care at an assisted living facility to be adequate. We recommend prospective assisted living residents to do their research before determining if assisted living is right for them. Pro: Opportunities to socialize and enjoy intellectual stimulation Study after study shows that maintaining social connections as we age is important. Another appealing reason to choose assisted living is to build quality relationships. Many assisted living communities offer social gatherings, games, field trips, and opportunities to connect with others. These seniors might not have had the opportunity to enjoy these activities if they were living at home alone. Best of all, most assisted living facilities organize events ahead of time so that loved ones can visit and enjoy activities together. For those looking to avoid cognitive decline and extend their life, assisted living facilities offer social opportunities to do so.  Con: Can intrude on privacy One of the most challenging parts about aging to accept is the loss of independence. As we grow older, we find that we need more care than when we were younger. When one moves into an assisted living community, staff members often check up on residents to meet their needs. For seniors who require a little bit more privacy, assisted living can be a challenging transition. For residents who do make the transition, many love the extra care they receive. The initial transition can be a challenge, though. Table: cost-benefits analysis of assisted living Advantages of assisted living Disadvantages of assisted living 1. Extra help for daily living activities2. Increased safety and security3. Opportunities for intellectual4. stimulation and socializing 1. Financial considerations2. Quality of medical care varies by facility3. Concerns about privacy Is assisted living right for your loved one? Assisted living services come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for home care services or the warmth and familiarity of a dependable team of staff members, it’s important to do your research before selecting an assisted living facility. Assisted living tends to provide more help with daily living activities, socializing, overall health, and safe living. On the flip side, assisted living tends to cost more than living alone and may mean less overall privacy. When you stay in an assisted living facility with Carlisle Group, your loved one will have access to some of the best care a person can find. We offer handsome living arrangements including one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom suites, and much more. To

Village Walk 3-Part May Education Series – Living with Alzheimer’s (for Caregivers)

National Wear Red Day! #GoRed

Today the Residents and Staff of Village Walk came together for National Wear Red Day to help raise awareness on heart health and support women’s health! Our #WEARRED fundraiser helped us raise funds for the American Heart Association. #WearRedAndGive

New Year, New You, Lecture & Cooking Demo!

January is Family Fit Lifestyle Moth! Please join us January 30th, at 5:30pm as we celebrate with a “New year, New You” healthy cooking demonstration!

Join Us for the Village Walk Voices Holiday Concert on Dec. 21!

We’d like to invite our friends, family and guests to Village Walk to enjoy a very special concert by the Village Walk Voices! They will be singing an assortment of your favorite holiday classics, and it will be a great time to spread cheer to those around you. The concert will be held on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at Village Walk (131 E. Main Street). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 631-731-1189.

Christmas Tree Decorating

This past week we kicked off the Holiday season with our tree trimming ceremony! We danced around the tree to holiday music and enjoyed some fresh baked cookies and eggnog.

Clydesdales in Patchogue

The Clydesdales trotted down Main Street in Patchogue Village.