What Is a Continuum of Care in Senior Living?

When you’re involved in helping a loved one find their perfect match in senior living, one of the most important questions to ask is: What do they want now, and how might their needs change in the future? For some of us, past experiences with parents or other relatives who needed long-term care later in life have shaped our own perspectives on how we want to live in retirement. These life experiences can provide clarity and context, and hopefully start helpful conversations as you navigate next steps together.

Options for Multiple Levels of Living

Choosing a senior living community with a continuum of care on one campus provides the freedom to live fully in the moment with a solid plan for the future. A continuum of care (also referred to as levels of living), represents a series of living options at various levels of support within a senior living community. Some senior living communities are focused solely on one level of living, such as Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care. Other communities offer more than one level of living to support residents’ changing needs. 

The versatility of a community where residents can seamlessly transition between multiple levels of living has great appeal for older adults who want a full menu of options for their future care. The Élite Collection communities offer a range of living options unique to each location, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and The Bridge Program (a level of care between Assisted Living and Memory Care). Residents can seamlessly transition from one level of care to another while staying in a familiar place surrounded by people they know and trust.

Here’s an overview of the lifestyle options designed to provide individualized support and care for your loved one:

Independent Living

Independent Living residents are usually active and self-sufficient in taking care of daily tasks. They appreciate a maintenance-free lifestyle with freedom from the responsibilities of taking care of a home. They enjoy being part of a thriving community of active seniors who enjoy connecting with others and share their zest for life. Independent Living offers a carefree lifestyle and unique living experience with a wealth of amenities and activities.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living residents need help with medication management or activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, grooming, or mobility concerns. The level of care is customized according to the needs of each resident, with caring associates providing a helping hand whenever needed. Assisted Living is perfect for those who want the safety and security of 24/7 access to assistance, along with the refined luxury and resort-like experience of The Élite Collection communities.

The Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is a blend of Assisted Living and Memory Care offered at The Élite Collection communities. This unique level of care is designed for residents who need additional care to support their changing needs in early-stage dementia before making the transition to Memory Care. The Bridge helps residents stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, while taking advantage of community amenities and a full calendar of enriching activities.

Memory Care

Memory Care residents and their families need 24/7 care and support as they navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memory Care programs provide long-term care and assistance with daily activities in a safe setting intentionally designed to support those with memory loss. All our Memory Care associates are Certified Dementia Practitioners with extensive training in dementia care, and they partner with families to provide the best experience possible for each individual. At The Élite Collection communities, our Memory Care program emphasizes a routine of calming activities and therapies to minimize confusion and promote quality of life.

A Flexible Plan for the Future

Discover the elegance of a luxury rental community with the benefits of multiple lifestyle options and individualized care. Residents of The Élite Collection communities enjoy all the advantages of resort-style living plus the peace of mind that comes with having a plan for the future. We invite you to learn more and find out if one of our Élite Collection communities could be the perfect fit for you or your loved one.