Simply put, a long-term care facility (LTCF) is any place that aids anyone who needs help performing activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities can vary, but they usually include things like dressing, bathing and even housekeeping. Although people of all age groups may consider moving to a community that provides extra levels of care and health services, most individuals who opt for such care are aged 55 and above.
The Types of Long-Term Care Facilities
Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)
Assisted living facilities typically offer residents a private apartment or home and access to around-the-clock personal and medical assistance. Another plus of ALFs is housekeeping services, and people who live in these types of facilities rarely need to clean, do laundry, or perform yard work.
A lot of assisted living facilities also provide transportation to and from medical appointments. Most of these facilities additionally provide amenities like gyms, pools, fitness classes, dining services, and shared community spaces, such as gardens or parks.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
For those who need to recover from an injury or illness but don't want to stay for an extended period in a hospital, a SNF may be the right answer. These types of facilities offer the same amount of medical care that a hospital can provide for recoveries in a more residential environment.
Skilled nursing facilities also offer on-site appointments with speech and occupational therapists, so they are a popular option for those recovering from a stroke or other acute brain injury. For people who have a chronic condition that requires intensive medical care, such as a severe disability, these facilities are also a good choice.
Memory Care Facilities (MC)
Memory care facilities are good options for people who have a cognitive disability, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These facilities are typically similar to assisted living facilities, but they are staffed with nurses and nursing assistants who specialize in caring for those with these types of disabilities.
Often, MC facilities are secured to prevent wandering since many residents with a form of dementia tend to wander and become lost without guidance. This means that the facility may lock from the inside or have fenced areas outside for residents to use safely.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs, or continuing care retirement communities, are a growing type of long-term care facility that is designed to provide care for all seniors as they age. Sometimes referred to as aging in place. In these communities, you can find assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care areas all in one location.
Typically, residents may move into an independent living section in one of these communities as soon as they are 55. From there, they may easily move into assisted living apartments, or a skilled nursing facility as needed. All the while, they can enjoy the shared spaces of the community, like the restaurants or walking trails, with other residents of every sub-area in the greater community.
Edgemere is an example of an excellent continuing-care retirement community in Dallas, Texas. At Edgemere, residents can stay in any long-term care facility, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, or they can enjoy healthy aging in an independent living section of the community. Edgemere is known for its wide calendar of enrichment events and programming, making it a top residential destination for everyone over 55.
To learn more about Edgemere, call (214) 225-7990.
