In the United States alone, there are approximately 47 million adults over the age of 65. As this age group continues to increase, more and more people are turning toward senior living communities to help meet their growing care needs. There are plenty of senior living options out there. Of course, care needs are susceptible to change — an older adult in assisted living may one day require memory support, or someone in independent living might suddenly need skilled nursing help. So how do you prepare for these unanticipated changes?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) accommodate the ever-changing needs of older adults by providing multiple options, from independent living to memory support and skilled nursing care. At Riddle Village in Media, Pennsylvania, we offer independent living retirement, senior personal care, skilled nursing care and senior rehabilitation all within the same community, which enables us to address multiple concerns simultaneously. Here are some of the leading benefits of lifecare.
Top 5 Benefits of Lifecare
Lifecare Communities Relieve the Stress of Moving
Transitioning to a new senior living community can be extremely stressful, both emotionally and practically. Older adults may be reluctant to change settings and experience difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Moreover, there’s no guarantee you can gain access to the appropriate facility — in 2016, 29% of senior living communities reported having waiting lists.
At Riddle Village, we offer a Lifecare contract or Type A contract, that covers the following:
- Living accommodations
- Maintenance services (laundry, housekeeping, etc.)
- Amenities (on-site restaurants, putting green, convenience store, etc.)
- Long-term personal care and skilled nursing services if needed with virtually no additional costs to your monthly service fee
If your care requirements suddenly shift, you don’t have to worry about finding a higher level of care facility — we provide a continuum of care so our healthcare services adapt to meet your growing needs, making life easier.
A Lifecare Community Can Help Save Costs
One of the biggest struggles older adults face as they transition from one type of senior living community to the other is costs. On average, memory care can cost 20-30% more than assisted living. Skilled nursing can cost over $11,000 a month in certain areas of the country. In a lifecare community, you can ensure all your health needs are addressed without having to worry about breaking the bank.
In a CCRC with a Lifecare contract, residents pay the same monthly service fee, no matter what level of care they are receiving. This means every resident can access personal care or skilled nursing whenever it is needed. Knowing you won’t be thrown into financial ruin because of your needs also provides reassurance that’s essential to good mental health. *Exceptions to the monthly fee include any general rise in operational costs, the nominal expense for 2 additional meals and any ancillary costs necessary (such as prescription medications, oxygen, insurance co-pays, etc.).
A Lifecare Community Provides Stability
One of the biggest advantages of a Lifecare community is the stability of a single, set living environment. Having a familiar, daily structure is essential to prolonging long-term memory abilities and reducing stress.
Not only do lifecare communities offer comfort through familiarity, but they also assure that residents keep any close bonds they’ve forged with staff or other residents. Even with the assistance of technology, it can be difficult to retain friendships when there’s physical distance — CCRCs (also known as Lifecare Plan communities) make it much easier to stay in touch. In fact, 69% of residents claimed that moving to a continuing care retirement community improved their social well-being.
Lifecare Promotes Health and Wellness
Lifecare offers more than physical care — it provides activities and amenities needed for a fulfilling, well-rounded lifestyle. At Riddle Village, we offer an assortment of services that encourage physical, mental and social well-being. These include:
- Daily fitness classes and state-of-the-art gym
- Outdoor fire pit, putting green, and bocce ball court
- Game room with billiards, shuffleboard and puzzles
- Four dining venues with a flexible meal plan
- Scheduled trips and transportation
When one would like some privacy or downtime they can retire to their spacious apartment. At Riddle Village, we offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Ultimately, the wide range of activities and amenities found in communities has a positive impact on overall well-being — according to a 2018 Age Well study, residents in CCRCs have greater physical, mental, social and emotional wellness than other older adults.
Enjoy Peace of Mind With Lifecare
From shifting care needs to increased costs, there’s no shortage of things to worry about when it comes to the future. This stress can negatively impact health and even manifest in physical symptoms.
Lifecare communities help alleviate these common concerns by anticipating and meeting any potential needs, whether they be related to healthcare services or social wellness. The continuum of care set monthly service fee, stable environment and holistic activities all work together to provide valuable peace of mind that lets both older adults and their families feel happy and satisfied.
Riddle Village: Your Premier Choice for Continuing Care Retirement in Pennsylvania
When it comes to choosing a continuing care retirement community, it’s important to pick a home that treats its residents with respect, kindness and dignity. At Riddle Village, the best retirement community in PA, we personally tailor our services to meet your needs, making sure the physical, social and mental requirements of each and every resident are met. Our luxurious on-site amenities, comfortable living accommodations, holistic activities and dedicated staff help us stand out from the crowd.
Reach out to learn more about our continuing care retirement community today!