Senior living and the language used to describe it have changed dramatically over the past few decades. For example, in the past, all types of senior living communities were commonly referred to as “nursing homes.” But, today, that term doesn’t reflect the vibrant, engaging lifestyle found in modern senior living communities.
We’ve created this reference tool to help you become more familiar with senior living terms you’re likely to encounter today, particularly if you’re considering a Life Plan Community like The Baldwin. We hope you’ll find it helpful as you research your options for yourself or someone you love.
Life Plan Community: A modern term for what has traditionally been called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). The name change was designed to better reflect the independent, resident-directed lifestyle that includes a plan for future care. Life Plan Communities offer independent living as well as a continuum of on-site care that may include assisted living, memory support, nursing care, and rehabilitation. Costs typically consist of a one-time entrance fee and an ongoing monthly service fee. Contracts vary, so it’s important to understand the type of contract offered and how it might impact your total lifetime costs.
LifeCare or Life Care: This is a type of residency contract available at some Life Plan Communities. The main benefit of a LifeCare contract is that residents are guaranteed unlimited, lifetime access to all levels of care at the community without a significant increase in their monthly fees. With LifeCare, residents know where they’ll get care should they need it, as well as who will provide it and how much it will cost. The Baldwin offers LifeCare contracts with refundable entrance fee options.
Independent Living: For adults ages 62+ who are able to live independently and who want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. Amenities and services such as dining, wellness classes, social activities, and transportation are often included. At The Baldwin, independent living residents have a choice of one- or two-bedroom apartment homes with easy access to all amenities including fine dining and casual restaurants, a fitness center, indoor heated pool, library, art gallery and studio, wood shop, game rooms, bocce court and shuffleboard, raised garden beds, an outdoor kitchen, convenience store, wellness clinic, plus priority access to a continuum of health services if ever needed.
Home Care (Resident Services): In-home care typically consists of assisted living services provided to individuals in their homes. At The Baldwin, Resident Services help residents manage their health, live safely in their apartment homes, and continue to enjoy their independent lifestyle. The Baldwin’s Resident Services may include but are not limited to, home health care, sick and wellness checks, overnight assistance, medication reminders, in-home tasks such as laundry and meal preparation, pet care, nursing services, and more.
Assisted Living: A care level for seniors who can maintain some degree of independence in their lives, but who need help with one or more daily activities such as dressing, bathing, mobility, preparing meals, or taking medication. Residents usually have their own apartment or suite, share common social spaces, and have access to services including meals, housekeeping, laundry, social and wellness activities, and transportation. Assisted living at The Baldwin is available at Orchard Inn where a small-home environment, private suites, and personalized care plans create an intimate, family-style atmosphere.
Memory Support or Memory Care: These are interchangeable terms used for a level of care focused specifically on the needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memory support provides the same services residents would receive in assisted living, as well as services designed to meet the needs of those experiencing cognitive decline. Memory care staff receive specialized dementia training to help each person in their care feel supported and understood. Memory support at The Baldwin is offered in an intimate, small-home environment at Orchard Inn.
Assisted Living Residences—Supported Residential Health Care Facility: ALR-SRHCF is a type of license that’s specific to New Hampshire and is the type of license The Baldwin operates under. With this license, The Baldwin is able to serve residents who require nursing care — a higher level of care than is typically allowed in a traditional assisted living community. Should a resident of The Baldwin or Orchard Inn require nursing care, in most cases they can continue living in their apartment or private suite while receiving the care they need. To learn about health care at The Baldwin, including the specific nursing-level services provided, view our brochure, Health Care at The Baldwin.
Nursing Care: A care level for seniors who require full-time care or assistance with most, if not all, activities of daily living. Medical care is provided by trained medical staff, such as a registered nurse, 24 hours a day. In many Life Plan Communities, nursing care is offered in a designated area such as a health center or a nursing home. However, with The Baldwin’s innovative, flexible approach to health care, residents may receive nursing care in the familiar comfort of their apartment homes or in their private suites at Orchard Inn.
Rehabilitation or Short-Term Rehabilitation: Life Plan Communities typically offer rehabilitation services as part of their continuum of care. Residents who are recovering from surgery, injury, or illness can benefit from the convenience of receiving the therapy they need without having to travel off campus. In addition, many Life Plan Communities welcome non-residents for short-term rehabilitation stays on a direct-admission basis. At The Baldwin, residents have access to both inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies right on our campus. Our highly trained team of therapists can help residents safely reach their goals in the comfort of the community they already know and love.
Respite Care: Provides short-term care for seniors during times when their primary caregivers are unable to tend to their needs. On these occasions, families often look to senior living communities to provide a temporary (respite) home for their loved ones. In addition to providing a break for caregivers, respite stays offer seniors the opportunity to experience a senior living community on a trial basis. The Baldwin offers respite stays at Orchard Inn.
Questions? We’re here to help.
We hope this blog post answers some of your questions about senior living terms. For answers to other questions you may have regarding The Baldwin and Orchard Inn, please call us at 603.699.0100. We’re here to help you make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one.