Explore Senior Living Choices
Making the decision to move into a senior living community is a big one, and we’re here to help you and give you the information you need to make the decision that’s best for you.
There are many different types of senior living communities to choose from.
These definitions will help you get a better understanding of your options.
Assisted Living Communities
They provide a variety of personalized services and social activities. These assisted living communities assist seniors who may need support with activities of daily living. In a senior community setting, services may include any or all of these:
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• 24/7 security and staff availability
• Emergency call system for each resident’s home
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Palliative care for serious or life-threatening illness
• Medication reminders
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities
• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
Board and Care Senior Homes
Board and Care Homes are private homes modified to meet state inspection requirements. These smaller homes are particularly good for seniors who have special physical needs such as acular degeneration, dementia, etc. Residents receive more one-on-one attention because they are typically limited to six seniors in the home.
These offer a family environment and have a sense of "home" versus "hotel.' These private homes provide room, meals and personal care services for those who need assistance. Caregivers provide the supervision necessary to make sure residents are safe.
Memory Care Facilities
Alzheimer's Care homes are specially designed, maintained, and staffed for people who have Alzheimer's or dementia. These facilities have a unique design including alarms on all doors and windows to prevent wandering. Staffing typically has taken special courses and/or seminars on how to care for seniors with behaviors such as aggression, depression and confusion.
Some floor plans are typically one level, with level surfaces for walking. Most homes have novelties such as textured pictures on the walls for sight and touch, enclosed court yards for freedom and security, and some have pets for the residents to enjoy.
The floors are distinctly different colors than the walls so as to not confuse a person's gait. Semi-private rooms are available and sometimes preferred to prevent loneliness and isolation.
Respite Care Homes
Respite care is a great living option for an elderly or disabled person who needs some day-to-day supportive services, as a short term stay, but still desires social stimulation, engagement and activities. Respite care is often suggested for seniors who are recovering from a hospital visit, fall, surgery or other health circumstance, senior living trial periods or any other reason.
Respite services can be offered for a variety of care levels, including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, depending on the respite care provider’s capabilities.
Hospice Care Home
Hospice care could be administered whether the patient is at home, in a hospice house or another health care facility, hospice workers ensure that the dying person's environment is accessible, meets their needs and adds to their quality of life.
A person of any age is eligible for hospice after being certified by a physician as having a life expectancy that may be six months or less, depending on the course of the disease. If a patient lives beyond six months after admission, they can continue to receive services as long as a physician continues to document the patient's eligibility.
Continuing Care Retirement-CCR
Typically restricted to people who are 55+, these communities offer residential living, usually in single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums, or multi-family properties, either for sale or for rent.
Hospitality services and outdoor maintenance might be included in the resident’s monthly fee, and the community could offer amenities such as a clubhouse and recreational spaces.
Assistance with activities of daily living isn’t typically provided, but access or referral to nearby health care providers may be.
Typically, residents have a choice of whether or not to take advantage of available services or programs, which can include housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance, transportation and social activities.
Independent Adult Living Homes
A residential living setting for seniors who require minimal or no assistance. Hospitality and supportive services are generally provided. Independent living residences may be apartments or freestanding homes obtained either for an entrance fee or through a rental arrangement. A monthly fee for services and amenities may be applied. Access to higher levels of care varies or may not be offered at all.
Nursing Homes (Skilled Facilities)
Licensed daily rate properties that are referred to as skilled nursing facilities (SNF) or nursing facilities (NF), where the majority of individuals require 24/7 nursing and/or health care. In most cases, nursing homes are licensed for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. They generally offer a community setting, private or shared rooms, and around-the-clock medical staff, including RNs (registered nurses), LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and CNAs (certified nursing assistants). Many nursing homes are freestanding communities.
Contact Us
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" - Colossians 3:23-25
1255 Treat Boulevard Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Monday – Friday 8AM - 8PM
Saturday – Sunday 9AM - 6PM
Business Direct: 650-766-8702
Office Director: 925-472-6618
Office Manager: 925-966-7304
Receptionist: 925-407-4721