Understanding Long-Term Care Options

Navigating long-term care options for yourself or a loved one can be easier when you understand the choices available. Each option offers unique benefits tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re planning for your own future or helping a loved one plan for theirs, this guide can clarify the levels of care available, including the amenities and services offered in each, to help make the best decision for your long-term well-being.

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care covers a range of services designed to meet the personal and health needs of older adults who may no longer be able to fully care for themselves due to aging, illness, or disability. It includes everything from limited assistance with daily activities to 24/7 medical and nursing care. The goal of long-term care is to enhance your quality of life and maintain as much independence as possible.

Levels of Care Available

Getting older brings various uncertainties, so it can be reassuring to know that the right level of long-term care will be available when you need it. Brandermill Woods is a continuing care retirement community, so residents can choose from four levels of care, all on one campus. These levels include the following.

• Independent Living: Ideal for seniors who are generally healthy and able to live independently but prefer a community setting. Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to all the amenities you want without the hassles of keeping up a home. At Brandermill Woods, we want you to live life on your terms and continue doing what makes you happy, so we’re just here to help make that happen.

• Assisted Living: Perfect for aging adults who just need a little extra help, primarily through personalized care with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or getting in or out of a chair or bed. The Chesterfield at Brandermill Woods offers Assisted Living that promotes living as independently as possible with the benefit of having professional staff available around the clock to assist when needed.

• Memory Care: Designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, Memory Care provides a secure environment with structured routines and specially trained staff. The Holly Inn at Brandermill Woods enhances the quality of life for residents living with memory-related issues. This unique community provides the highest level of care, support groups, and 24/7 nursing assistance in a secure, comfortable, homelike setting.

• Skilled Care: This may be a good option for residents with medical needs that non-licensed staff members can’t address. Skilled Care is a type of long-term care that can only be provided by licensed health care professionals, so it differs from Assisted Living because it includes around-the-clock nursing, rehabilitation, and specialized medical care. At Brandermill Woods, Skilled Care is provided through Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Nursing at The Haven.

Once you become a Brandermill Woods resident, you can move from your current level of care to another as your needs change. Best of all, moving to another level will be easier because you’re already familiar with your surroundings and health care team.

Individualized Care Planning

Individualized care planning is a personalized approach to meeting the unique needs of seniors receiving long-term care through Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Skilled Care. Our nurses work closely with residents and their families and physicians to create individualized plans of care.

This process begins with a comprehensive assessment that evaluates your physical health, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and personal preferences. Based on this assessment, we develop a customized care plan outlining the specific services and supports you require. These plans are flexible, regularly reviewed, and updated to adapt to your changing needs.

By focusing on the whole person, individualized care planning ensures that care is effective and respectful of your values and lifestyle, promoting the highest possible quality of life.

Amenities and Services at Brandermill Woods

In addition to the medical and personal care services you need to thrive, Brandermill Woods offers all the amenities and services you might need. No matter your level of care, you can expect to enjoy three delicious and nutritious meals each day and around-the-clock campus-wide security for added peace of mind. Our Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Care neighborhoods have an added layer of security that includes monitoring systems at each exit and emergency call systems to allow residents to call for help from 24/7 care staff.

While many amenities and services overlap, some levels of care have differing or additional offerings. Here are a few highlights of amenities and services available in each level of care.

• Independent Living: Offers one- or two-bedroom apartments and one-, two-, or three-bedroom cottages; scheduled activities and a robust calendar of social events; daily fitness classes, housekeeping services, full-time wellness nurse on-site weekdays; indoor therapeutic swimming pool; movie theater; and scheduled transportation to nearby shops, services, and doctor appointments.

• Assisted Living: Offers private studio, alcove, or one-bedroom apartments; well-organized and diverse recreation and social programs; state-of-the-art therapy gym; daily housekeeping; on-site beauty parlor; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; licensed nurse on premises 24 hours a day; and scheduled transportation to shopping and medical appointments.

• Memory Care: Offers private studio, alcove, or one-bedroom apartments; structured daily schedule and activities; secured therapeutic garden space; daily housekeeping; on-site beauty parlor; personalized recreation therapy programs; and nursing assistance 24 hours a day. Memory Care also utilizes Snoezelen tools to provide a level of stimulation designed to increase awareness for residents in the mid to late stages of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

• Skilled Care: Offers spacious private and semi-private rooms; daily activities, including scheduled transportation for trips and medical appointments; on-site beauty parlor; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medication administration and monitoring; licensed nursing services 24 hours per day; and an on-site medical director.

Reach out to schedule a tour and consultation with our care team at Brandermill Woods by calling (804) 621-7328.