At Bayshire San Dimas, we recognize how important it is for seniors to get professional care in their later years as they begin to experience a decline in their overall health. Choosing the proper care option for them at the right time is key to ensuring they don’t face adverse health challenges. Among the various senior care options available, assisted living reigns supreme, as it’s the most widely chosen option. Here, senior residents get assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, medication management, and other essentials.
However, it’s worth noting that there are multiple levels of care available under the same name—assisted living—at a senior living community. Knowing about the type of care available at each level is critical to determine which one will be suitable for someone seeking professional care due to aging issues. Read on as we uncover details about the various care levels available at an assisted living. We’ll also see the key factors that differentiate multiple levels.
Level 1: Basic Care (Minimal Assistance)—Little To No Supervision
Understandably, the name itself suggests what this level of care entails. Under it, the residents get little to no support for daily living. They don’t require much supervision, as they can complete most of their ADLs on their own. For instance, a resident receiving level one care may need a wake-up visit in the morning and simple medication reminders throughout the day as needed. They only move to higher levels of care as their needs evolve.
Here’s a roundup of what this care level encompasses:
For: Residents who are mainly independent but need help occasionally.
Needs: Occasional reminders for tasks like medication or wake-up calls, very light supervision for ADLs.
Cost: The least expensive level due to minimal support.
Level 2: Intermediate/Moderate Care—Some Hands-On Assistance
In this care level, the residents get assisted with at least one activity of daily living (ADL). It might be dressing, grooming, or bathing, which they aren’t able to do independently. Besides this, they continue to show signs of independence. During this level of care, they get a combination of supervision and hands-on assistance. It’s more of a situation where aid meets independence.
Here’s a roundup of what this care level encompasses:
For: Residents who are independent with some ADLs but require help with the other ones.
Needs: Moderate hands-on help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or more frequent medication management reminders.
Cost: More expensive than basic care due to more hands-on support.
Level 3: Advanced/Enhanced Care—Comprehensive Support
This is the highest level of care available at an assisted living community. At this level of care, the residents get assistance with most or all of their ADLs. Typically, more than one caregiver provides the required care assistance to the resident. This means the resident in need receives round-the-clock assistance for all the tasks and activities that they cannot do independently.
Here’s a roundup of what this care level encompasses:
For: Residents who need frequent assistance with multiple ADLs or significant supervision.
Needs: Extensive or ongoing help, likely from multiple caregivers, with most or all ADLs. Also needs continuous medical monitoring due to a chronic condition.
Cost: The most expensive one due to the comprehensive nature of the care services provided.
Key Factors Differentiating Levels Of Care
The following factors differentiate one care level from another. Knowing these makes it easier to understand what each level of care provides to your loved one in terms of the care services and amenities.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Every person’s ability to perform the tasks of daily living (ADLs) is different. Before determining what level of care is fitting for an individual, their capacity to bathe, dress, eat, and move is assessed. Caregivers evaluate their needs in terms of needing no help for independent living to requiring hands-on assistance for higher levels of care.
Supervision
The caregivers also see what level of supervision a resident needs to determine what level of care would be appropriate for them. The lower levels of care generally provide minimal assistance, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. On the other hand, in higher levels of care, they get increased hands-on supervision in terms of direct support with daily tasks.
Health Management
This factor dictates the amount of medical assistance and support a resident requires from the caregiving staff. For those needing minimal health-related support, lower levels of care are more appropriate. In contrast, for those requiring continuous health monitoring & medication management and specialized care for chronic conditions, higher levels of care are suitable.
Cost
Both levels of care and cost are directly related. As the level of care increases, so does the price. Based on this factor alone, assisted living communities have varying costing approaches, including tiered pricing, à la carte services, and all-inclusive packages.
Bayshire San Dimas—Committed To Providing Exceptional Senior Care
At Bayshire San Dimas, we work with a resident-first mindset. Our entire team strives to provide the residents with the best-in-the-industry care. Our commitment to helping seniors live with dignity, comfort, and independence is visible in each of our practices. From the front desk staff to the highly skilled caregivers, everyone in our community carries a compassionate approach to senior care.
Getting assistance with everyday tasks and leading a fun and fulfilling life is made easier for all residents in our community. From restaurant-style meals and a socially rich calendar to transportation services, the residents enjoy a range of perks to make the most out of their golden years. Our caregivers and staff cater to all the needs of residents, enabling them to focus on what truly matters to them.
If you’re exploring reliable assisted living for your aging loved one, contact us at Bayshire San Dimas. Schedule a personal tour to get a firsthand experience of our premier assisted living community. Let our haven be your loved one’s new home, one they will love.
