If you’re starting your research on moving yourself or a loved one to an assisted living community, you might see phrases such as “retirement community” and “assisted living community.” Those phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, but their definitions usually vary slightly. Of course, each community you check out could involve different services or amenities, so be sure to ask lots of questions when you’re looking at a retirement or assisted living community.
With that being said, which situation is better for you? And what are the differences between the two of them?
Retirement Communities
A person who moves into a retirement community is generally able to take care of themselves. They don’t need additional help with everyday living, though some communities will provide additional services such as laundry or linen service or light housekeeping.
Activities and socialization opportunities are often offered in these communities, such as day trips, classes, parties, and other events. A resident of a retirement community tends to have their own apartment within the community, and there are common areas throughout the community for gathering with friends and family. Sometimes a retirement community might also be associated with an assisted living community. This is a comfort if need more help in your everyday living as time passes.
Assisted Living Communities
Our brand-new location (conveniently located in Peoria, Arizona, near the intersection of West Olive Avenue and North 107th Avenue) offers assisted living and memory care services. These are specialized services for older adults who require senior housing and need additional assistance with day-to-day living.
Some examples might be if you require help managing medication or bathing. While some apartments have kitchenettes, meals are also provided in our restaurant-style dining hall. Every day you can expect three nutritious and delicious chef-prepared meals. You can relax in the dining hall with friends or visitors and not have to worry about cooking for yourself or cleaning up afterward. Snacks are also available daily.
At Agua Fria, assisted living means comprehensive and respectful care for each individual. Our mission is to provide the assistance you or your loved one requires while still providing independence to live your best life.
Nursing Home
Another phrase you might hear while doing your research is “nursing home.” A nursing home is more like a medical center than a living situation. People generally require a nursing home if they’re recovering from an injury or procedure and need a nurse or doctor to monitor their progress closely. The goal is to only require a nursing home for a little while so that once you’ve recovered you may go back to your assisted living home or retirement community. At the Mission at Agua Fria, our goal is to give you the care and independence you require so that you don’t need to visit a nursing home.
Moving to an assisted living community has proven to be better for seniors in the long run and can prevent accidents or illnesses with quick responses from your care team. After all, living in your own house may be difficult after some time, especially if you’re living alone. Climbing up on a ladder to perform maintenance or change a lightbulb can be risky if your balance isn’t as good as it once was. If you live in climates with winter storms, shoveling the driveway can be difficult and even hazardous if there’s ice. However, if you live in an assisted living community, we take care of all of that for you.
Assisted Living at the Mission at Agua Fria
When you receive consistent, respectful, and personalized care at the Mission at Agua Fria, our certified staff will be able to catch the beginnings of an illness before it becomes a bigger issue. Your quality of life will be much higher, not least of which because you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from letting someone else handle the details. With our partnerships with healthcare professionals, you’ll feel well taken care of so you may safely age in place.
When you first move to the Mission at Agua Fria, one of our licensed nurses will meet with you to complete an assessment on what your personal needs are. Based on that, they’ll outline a care plan. They’ll be with you every step of the way so that your preferences and interests are integrated into the plan as well.
Assisted living might be a little more involved than in a retirement community, but you can still expect to have your own apartment. We offer a choice of four different floorplans for one-bedroom apartments. No matter which style you choose, each apartment has the same safety features, including spacious bathrooms, walk- or wheel-in showers, grab bars, emergency response pull cords, emergency pendants, and plenty of closet space.
Memory Care
Sometimes memory care falls under the assisted living umbrella. At the Mission at Agua Fria, we offer state-of-the-art memory care for you or your loved one who requires the extra security and care that comes with this diagnosis. You can expect a secure environment; personal care services, including dressing, bathing, mobility, and assistance with meals and other activities; on-site, 24-hour medical care; ongoing evaluations and family support services; and medication management, assistance, and administration.
On top of that, you can expect enrichment programs and specialized activities to keep your brain stimulated. Studies have shown that access to art and other creative pursuits, exercise, movement, and social time all add up to help slow or stop cognitive decline. We want to supply all of that to you as much as you’d like. We won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, though—this will be part of the care program our licensed nurses will work out with you and your care provider.
Whether you’re in need of assisted living or memory care, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the Mission at Agua Fria. Contact us for more information—we would love to hear from you and to set up an appointment to meet with you in person.
