Finding the Right Living Option for Your Aging Parents or Loved One

Today's senior living communities are a far cry from the nursing homes of the past. Your loved one has choices that his or her parents never dreamed of considering. In fact, one of the biggest challenges they may face is deciding which living option suits him or her best.

You can help your loved one make a good decision by learning all you can about the different choices available to them. Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular offerings and how Friendship Village could be the right fit for them, and you:

Life Plan Community

A Life Plan Community, (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) offers a full range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and memory care. Regardless of what life brings, residents can find the right living accommodation at the right time.

Typically, residents pay an entrance fee to join the community, plus a monthly service fee covering everything from meals to real estate taxes, most utilities, scheduled transportation services, home maintenance, housekeeping and a full cultural enrichment program. Entrance fees can be non-refundable or partially refundable (up to 90%) and offer a lifetime discount or free days in assisted living or skilled nursing.

Independent Living

Independent living communities usually offer senior apartments on a rental basis to people targeted by age, generally 62 or older. Many of these communities are operated by for-profit organizations and typically do not include access to assisted living or skilled nursing care. So if you need care down the road, you would have to move from the place you call home. In order to receive the care you need without having to change your address and leave the place you love, a Life Plan Community like Friendship Village offers higher levels of care all on one campus. Learn More about independent living at Friendship Village. 

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities generally offer apartments — either private or shared — plus an array of services that help residents manage their day-to-day living activities. Aides are available to help residents get dressed, take showers and move about the community. Typically, these communities provide their residents with three meals a day, plus a full program of recreational and cultural pursuits. However, many of these communities do not include skilled care. So, if you need care down the road, you would have to move from the place you call home. Most of these communities are operated by for-profit providers on a pay-as-you-go basis. Only a handful of assisted living communities in Illinois offer subsidies for low-income older adults. Call the Illinois Senior Help Line toll-free at 800-252-8966, or if you live outside of Illinois, call 217-524-6911. Learn More about Willows Assisted Living at Friendship Village. 

Skilled Nursing Care

Skilled nursing care communities offer professional nursing services for all residents and are commonly referred to as "nursing homes." The vast majority are equipped to provide older adults with rehabilitation services to help with recovery from surgery or illness. These types of short-term stays are typically covered by Medicare. A smaller number provide long-term care for people with conditions requiring 24-hour attention by skilled nurses. These types of stays are not typically covered by Medicare. Learn More about skilled nursing care at Briarwood Healthcare Center at Friendship Village. 

Senior Home Care

Senior home care provides in-home support for seniors so they can remain in their residence. Some of the services provided through home care include home health aide services, transportation, meals, shopping, obtaining prescription medications, home maintenance, assistance with bill paying and more. Learn More about Home Care at Friendship Village. 

Ready to take the next step? To learn more about how Friendship Village can help you and your loved ones Get Set 4 Life®, please call us at 849-490-6271 to speak with a Friendship Village Residency Counselor.