Retirement communities go above and beyond to offer the best care for your loved ones

Planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of different care options and living spaces available within retirement communities. But many Ohio communities offer more than just the basics, offering independent living, assisted living, continuing care, memory care and more.

According to Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS), which offers many senior living options across the Tristate, independent living means living life on your own terms and achieving the perfect mix of independence, personal growth and community.

Elders who reside in independent living communities can continue their normal daily activities as they always have, while generally enjoying the additional services and amenities offered by their retirement community.

ERS also offers residential living options, which are similar to independent living except that residents have the option to receive extra support and assistance in their independent living space without the hassle of moving to the next level of care. Episcopal Retirement Services’ local communities include Deupree House (3939 Erie Ave., Hyde Park) and Marjorie P. Lee (3550 Shaw Ave., Hyde Park).

At The Kenwood by Senior Star, assisted living is described as living designed for residents who may need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, transportation and medication reminders. According to the website, the assisted living community at The Kenwood was developed from start to finish with its residents in mind.

By taking the time to know each patient’s needs and preferences, the team will create a lifestyle plan where residents can live life enjoying their independence with a helping hand always nearby. The Kenwood by Senior Star is located at 5435 Kenwood Road near Madisonville.

Also referred to as Alzheimer’s care, memory support or dementia care, memory care centers offer 24/7 support for those who suffer from memory difficulties and can no longer complete daily tasks on their own.

At Magnolia Springs Loveland, the Memory Way program offers a specific type of compassionate care that is specially designed for those with memory impairment, called Heartfelt Connections.

According to its website, each member of the memory care team is trained in the program and creates an individualized care plan for each patient to promote physical and emotional well-being, prolong daily functioning and more. Magnolia Springs is located at 767 Loveland-Miamiville Road in Loveland.

Many retirement communities offer Continuing Care Retirement communities (CCRC). According to Otterbein SeniorLife, CCRCs are communities for those age 55 and older who are looking for an active lifestyle, social opportunities and independent living accommodations. These communities are designed to assist seniors through the phases of their lives, offering independent living and assisted living so that residents don’t need to leave the community when they need more care.

In addition to its CCRC in Lebanon (585 N. OH-741, Lebanon), Otterbein SeniorLife also offers what it calls neighborhoods. Often referred to as skilled nursing and rehabilitation small houses, these neighborhoods give residents personalized attention and care in a home-like setting. These homes only care for a limited number of residents at a time. The neighborhoods are home to many long-term residents but are also an option for those who need rehabilitation or care after an injury.