A Circle of Senior Care

Article submitted by Lincolnwood Place
For more information, they can be reached at 847-673-7166 or visit their website: www.seniorlifestyle.com.

Three Levels of Service to Meet Your Changing Needs

Deciding on a senior living community that is right for you or your loved one can be overwhelming. There are many options from which to choose. Communities differ in appearance as well as in the atmosphere, services and amenities they provide. This can make choosing a community based on an educated decision difficult.

Research ranks moving as one of life's five most stressful events, so when at all possible, it is beneficial to decrease the chances of having to move again by making an informed first decision. Although we cannot predict the future, it is helpful to plan ahead. One way of doing so is to understand the different levels of service a community provides.

Continuum of Care Retirement Communities offer retirement living, assisted living and skilled nursing care, all in one supportive, caring community. What does this mean to you? It means that the community provides a level of service that is suited for most every need. They provide the service that offers residents the peace of mind of knowing that they'll be here for you today, as well as tomorrow.

Most CCRC's provide a variety of residential services, which may be covered by monthly fees or be available at extra cost, depending on the community. Services routinely offered include meals, recreation and activities, apartment cleaning and maintenance, grounds maintenance, dining services, utilities and special care during illness.

The continuum of care offered in a CCRC typically begins with retirement living in an apartment or cottage and proceeds through increasing levels of care, including personal care (or assisted living) when it is needed. Nursing care is provided by all CCRC's and many also offer rehabilitation services.

Steps in selecting a CCRC include:

• Request information from each community you are considering
• Read it carefully and develop a list of questions that are important to you
• Visit each community
• Dine with the residents
• Meet the staff
• Observe the relationship between staff and residents
• Review the activity calendar

Although a crisis may necessitate an immediate choice, it is best to take the time to make an informed decision after gathering information and experiencing the atmosphere of the communities that are most appealing.

Living a better senior lifestyle is a choice you can make by being informed about the options available in your area. Retirement communities change peoples lives, let one change yours.