Are you or a loved one considering a move to a retirement community? These are the terms you need to know as you start your search.
Deciding it’s time for you or a loved one to move to a retirement community is a tough decision. But deciding which one, and what type of community you need, may be even more difficult. To help with that decision, we’ve created this primer to explain some common retirement living terms, as well as which local communities offer those services.
One of the most common types of retirement community is independent living. As its name implies, this type of living allows residents to continue living as independently as they like. The type of living arrangement can vary, from an apartment in a facility to a private house on the community’s property. The level of independence can also vary. While most communities offer maintenance to residents, others offer additional services, such as cleaning and meals. We recommend asking what services they offer when you first inquire. Local independent living communities include StoryPoint Cincinnati in Anderson Township and SEM Villa in Milford.
Another type you’ll often see is assisted living. Generally, assisted living is for people who need more help in their day-to-day activities. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean around-the-clock medical care, though some do offer it. Many assisted living residents still take part in social and recreational activities and remain active—it just depends on the level of care needed. Many memory care facilities fall under the umbrella of assisted living. The Alois Alzheimer Center in Greenhills and Provision Living at West Chester are both assisted living facilities.
Those looking to age in place—to start in independent living and then move to assisted living while remaining in the same community—should consider a continuing care facility. These communities offer both types of living, allowing residents to remain in the community as their needs change. Examples of this type of community are The Seasons in Kenwood and Bayley in Delhi.
While many communities offer assistance with medication or access to health care, only some facilities are considered to be skilled nursing communities. Skilled nursing means that the facility employes licensed nurses and is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These communities often offer short-term care after surgery or an accident, or long-term care for those who need regular medical help. Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Majestic Care of Cedar Village in Mason offer this type of care.
Another term you might hear is the household model. These types of communities are generally skilled nursing facilities that operate in smaller buildings that offer residents a home-like atmosphere. A limited number of residents live there, and each building has a family room, kitchen, dining room and other shared living spaces. Short-term, memory and long-term care can be provided there. This type of community includes Emerald Trace on Turkeyfoot in Elsmere, Kentucky, and the Otterbein Loveland SeniorLife Neighborhood in Loveland.
