What is a Continuum of Care?

A continuum of care is a system of care that encompasses all areas of need a senior might experience as they age, from independent and assisted living services to skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care.

As we grow older our needs change and often become more complex. Having a strong system of care in place can help us maintain confidence and well-being during these changes, while increasing our longevity and quality of life.

That’s why a continuum-of care community is a great option for seniors who want to live as independently as possible while having direct access to the care and support they need to thrive through each stage of life.

A Continuum of Care Community

In a senior living continuum-of-care community, you’ll find different levels of care for various stages of aging that include a broad range of senior care services, from skilled nursing and long-term care to short-term therapy and physician services–-and even memory care.

In one location, there are distinct but fully integrated and connected communities that cater to the unique needs of the seniors living there, while every member of the broader community has access to all the amenities and perks the campus provides.

Independent & Assisted Living

On many continuum-of-care campuses, you can find independent living and assisted living services. Independent living is designed for fully independent seniors who do not require assistance with activities of daily living or skilled nursing of any kind. But they do benefit from the amenities and services the community provides, such as fine dining, engaging activities, maintenance, and clinical care, should they need it.

Assisted living is the next step in the care continuum. Seniors at this level require minimal-to-moderate care or assistance with activities of daily living but do not require round-the-clock care and supervision. They too benefit from the community’s amenities and can enjoy the full extent of their independence with the confidence that care and support are within reach anytime they need them.

Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

Long-term care services are available for residents who require 24/7 monitoring and support from nurses and certified nursing assistants. They may need help with self-care, dressing, feeding, and medication management. Should these residents face an accident, injury, or health complication, they may require the on-site short-term rehabilitation services to restore their prior level of function.

Short-Term Therapy Services

Many continuum-of-care campuses offer inpatient and outpatient short-term rehabilitation programs that focus on helping patients regain and maintain their highest level of independence. These programs include comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs.

Physical therapy is designed to help patients restore their strength, balance, range of motion, and standing/walking ability. Occupational therapy helps patients retrain in activities of daily living, using their newly regained strength and ability to perform functional tasks. Speech therapy focuses on improving a patient’s speech, swallowing, and cognitive function.

Residents at any place in the continuum can participate in the campus’s short-term therapy programs and may use one of their private or semiprivate rooms should they require inpatient care during their rehabilitation.

Memory Care

Many campuses feature a special unit for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia or cognitive decline. These units are private, secure, and staffed with specially trained associates who tend to the residents' clinical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.

Residents in these units benefit not only from a safe, comfortable clinical environment but also from specialized therapy and activities programs.

Common Accommodations & Amenities of a Continuum-of-Care Community

Continuum-of-care communities often provide a wide range of services intended to heighten enjoyment, leisure, confidence and overall quality of life. These features include:

• Comfortable, spacious apartments for senior living
• Nutritious, chef-prepared meals daily
• Aesthetic, comfortable, well-maintained surroundings
• Fitness & wellness centers
• Engaging activities, social programs & outings
• Weekly religious services
• Housekeeping & maintenance services
• Scheduled transportation

What Level of Care Do I Need?

Doctors, discharge planners, therapists, and community admissions managers can provide insight and guidance into the kinds of services and support you might need and whether a continuum-of-care community would be right for you. Tour communities near you and stay in close communication with your care providers to find your place in the continuum of care!