The Different Types of Senior Living

Making the decision to transition into a Senior Living Community is a significant and very personal decision. There are four types of Senior Living Communities. Each type offers a different level of care, medication support, community engagement, and each comes with a different overall cost. The option that is right for you (or your loved one) depends on your specific needs and level of independence at the time you are considering the move.

 

Senior living isn’t just about care—it’s about quality of life, connection, and finding a place that feels like home. Understanding the differences between senior living options is key to making the best choice.

 

Independent Living

If you or your loved one is mostly self-sufficient and looking for a vibrant community, Independent Living is the right choice. Residents typically enjoy the privacy of their own apartment while benefiting from having friends just down the hall. Independent Living Communities offer convenient services such as weekly housekeeping, transportation, dining options, and access to exercise rooms, beauty salons, and a variety of social activities.  

 

What truly sets Independent Living at Mount Angel Towers apart is the strong sense of family and connection. Our residents form lifelong friendships, support one another, and sometimes even find love (yes, there have been residents who met and got married while living here!) Our Community offers engaging activities, shared meals, and meaningful conversations, making time spent here fulfilling and enjoyable. Our emphasis is creating an active lifestyle with a strong sense of community.

 

No Clinical Care and Limited Supportive Services

• Designed for seniors who are are mostly self-sufficient
• No medication management provided
• No staff assistance with individual care needs
• 24-hour staff available for security and administrative support

 

Independent Living is the most affordable senior living option, as it involves no hands-on care compared to the other options. It can be covered by Veterans Benefits if the Community fits certain criteria.

 

Assisted Living

For those who need some support with daily tasks, Assisted Living offers a safe and caring environment while still promoting as much independence as possible. At Mount Angel Towers, our Assisted Living residents enjoy private studios with 24/7 caregivers available to provide help with activities of daily living and to coordinate clinical care. This means help with tasks like dressing, bathing, showering, and mobility, all while ensuring residents feel comfortable and respected. Residents receive three meals per day and have access to engaging social activities, outings, and programs designed to keep them active and connected with their friends and neighbors in the community.

 

Limited Clinical Care and an Abundance of Supportive Services

• Assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, showering, mobility, and other personal hygiene.
• Medication management along with the ability to give medication
• 24/7 staffing for immediate care and support
• Comprehensive activity programs and outings
• Care coordination with a community physician

 

Assisted Living is more expensive than Independent Living, but far less expensive than Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. Assisted Living can be covered by long-term care insurance or veterans benefits.

 

Memory Care

For seniors with dementia or other memory impairments, Memory Care provides a secure and structured environment. Residents live in their own room or a shared room with another resident. These communities offer specialized activities designed to support cognitive health. The living situation for memory care is quite similar to assisted living, with additional features such as locked entrances and exits to ensure the safety of residents. The facility layouts also typically include design elements that help minimize confusion.

 

Limited Clinical Care and an Abundance of Supportive Services

• Also provides assistance with daily activities such as dressing and bathing
• Ability to manage and give medication
• Specialized care for seniors with dementia or memory impairments
• Activities tailored to focus on cognitive needs
• Care coordination with a community physician

 

Memory Care is more expensive than Assisted Living and Independent Living, but is typically covered by long-term care insurance or veterans benefits.

 

Skilled Nursing

For those needing the highest level of medical care, Skilled Nursing provides 24-hour care in a hospital-like setting. Unlike other senior living options that focus on social engagement and community activities, Skilled Nursing is strictly a clinical environment dedicated solely to medical care and rehabilitation. The atmosphere is more structured, with residents receiving necessary treatments. Occasionally, there are group activities. Three meals are provided. The overall focus is on managing medical conditions rather than fostering social interaction.

 

Abundant Clinical Care and Some Supportive Services

• 24-hour medical care
• On-site licensed nurses and therapists
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Round-the-clock skilled nursing services

 

Skilled Nursing is the most expensive option for any medical condition, but costs may be covered by long-term care insurance or veterans benefits. The cost of skilled nursing may also be covered by Medicare with a qualifying clinical diagnosis.

 

Choosing the right senior living option depends on your loved one’s unique needs. At Mount Angel Towers, we are committed to providing abundant services in a welcoming environment for those looking for Independent Living or Assisted Living options. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Mount Angel Towers today. Let us help you find the best fit for you or your loved one’s next chapter.