Finding the Right Living Environment is Critical for All Seniors
As seniors age, health, socialization and safety issues move to the forefront of lifestyle considerations. Yet two older adults of the same age may have very different needs and wants when it comes to senior-living options.
Finding the right living environment is essential for well-being and happiness. That’s why it’s important to understand differences between independent-living communities and assisted-living communities. This article will further explain.
The Most Significant Differences
One of the biggest differences in the two is that assisted living offers more medical and personal-care services than independent-living communities. But assisted-living communities don’t provide intensive hands-on medical care, so seniors with significant physical or cognitive challenges may need skilled-nursing care or a memory-care community instead.
Another difference is that meals and housekeeping services are typically included in the cost of care for assisted living, but may be an additional cost in independent living.
Read on to learn more about the distinct benefits and features of each environment.
Assisted Living at McKnight Place
When seniors need a little more help because of physical or cognitive challenges, assisted living provides the ideal mix of services, care and independence they need.
In an assisted-living community, seniors have their own living space with access to additional care and assistance, as needed. This may include personal care such as dressing, grooming and showering or transportation to doctor appointments. Housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry services also are provided along with medication management. Assisted living offers a feeling of safety and security to the resident and family.
Feel Safe & Benefit from Onsite Services
McKnight Place is designed to provide the warm, comfortable feeling of home in a safe and secure environment with all the supportive services needed for our residents’ optimal well-being. All services are delivered by exceptional professional staff, from the housekeepers and dining servers to the licensed nurses and nursing assistants.
For peace of mind, a licensed nurse is available onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the community’s medical director is board certified in geriatric medicine. Most routine exams and concerns can be addressed without ever having to leave home. Residents also benefit from regular onsite visits from a dentist, podiatrist, psychiatrist and hearing aid specialist.
Residents enjoy personalized assistance, including daily housekeeping, laundry and linen service. In addition, physical, occupational, speech and restorative therapy services are all available onsite along with salon and barber services.
Personalized Living Quarters & Gourmet Meals
Accommodations at McKnight Place are elegantly designed, much like the finest hotel suites, with bay windows, nine-foot ceilings and spacious bathrooms. Residents can bring their own furniture and decorate their room according to their personal tastes so it feels like home. An interior designer is always happy to assist.
Residents at McKnight Place also enjoy three healthy, chef-prepared gourmet meals each day served restaurant-style in an elegant dining room. All meals are created in collaboration with a registered dietitian and special dietary requests are always welcome.
Maintain An Active Lifestyle
Inspired to live an active, social lifestyle, residents appreciate the expansive daily choices of exercise and engaging, diverse activities. McKnight Place residents can be part of a walking club or a book club, enjoy water exercises or art classes and join friends in the theater.
McKnight Place also provides families and friends the opportunity to spend more relaxed time together. The warm, inviting living room and beautiful, lush garden and patios create the perfect setting for conversation and games.
With an attentive, friendly staff always available and a host of exceptional services, amenities and necessities within easy access, McKnight Place residents enjoy more time doing what matters most to them.
Independent Living at The Gatesworth
Many older adults want to maintain their independence, but wish to be free from the responsibilities and maintenance of home ownership. They may also be seeking more activities and companionship in their retirement. Independent-living communities can be the ideal home for these seniors.
Independent-living communities, also known as retirement communities, offer private living spaces and are designed to foster an active, carefree lifestyle complemented by a host of cultural, educational and social activities.
These communities also offer freedom from chores such as meal preparation, if residents prefer. Meanwhile, some residents still enjoy making their own breakfast or other cooking and baking. Independent living enables seniors to live the lifestyle they choose.
Amenities & Opportunities
These communities also provide many amenities and opportunities.
For example, at The Gatesworth, residents can choose from a one- or two-bedroom luxurious apartment home that includes a well-appointed kitchen with the finest finishes, sunlit living room, spa-like bathroom and generous walk-in closet. Each elegant, comfortable space is customized to make it feel like home. A dedicated move-in coordinator makes the transition to The Gatesworth smooth and worry-free.
The community also offers an elegant dining room, gift shop, fitness center, warm saltwater pool, salon and spa, plus several gathering areas for playing cards, enjoying coffee or tea with friends or simply enjoying a cozy fire with a good book. Beautifully-landscaped grounds invite residents outside to enjoy the fountain, garden and walking path.
Stay Active & Eat Well
The vibrant lifestyle at The Gatesworth includes participating in everything from art classes to exercise sessions to history lectures. Residents also enjoy going out on the town with car service available for errands, appointments and events. Many residents also have their own cars onsite. The Gatesworth’s exceptional staff is always ready to assist residents with carrying bags, bringing their car to them or meeting any other request.
Residents can choose from three restaurants at The Gatesworth. While each has its own ambiance, from casual to elegant, all three are led by Executive Chef John Morales. With every meal, gourmet tastes and the highest quality, healthy ingredients are always front and center.
At The Gatesworth, independent living is truly freedom to live a carefree life every day.
Explore Your Options
Choosing between independent and assisted living should be based on the needs of the senior. As needs change, so should the living accommodations. Some communities, such as The Gatesworth family of communities, offer a variety of living options so seniors can remain in their familiar surroundings even as needs change.
Come See For Yourself
For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 314-993-3333 (Assisted Living & Memory Care) or 314-993-2221 (Skilled Nursing).