When it comes to retirement living, today’s seniors have more choices than ever. If you’re considering a move to a senior living community or talking about it with your loved ones, it’s essential to understand the available options.
A trusted community in the senior living industry, The Carrington at Lincolnwood, offers a fulfilling and well-supported lifestyle for older adults in retirement. We focus on overall well-being and independence while providing access to health care when necessary. As you begin your research journey, here are answers to some common senior living questions.
What is a senior living community?
A senior living community encompasses a variety of housing, services and amenities, and health care choices designed for older adults. While they’re often associated with retirement, senior living communities are also suitable for those who are partially retired or still employed. Senior living communities serve as supportive and engaging environments that address the evolving needs of older adults while promoting independence, comfort and a sense of belonging.
What are the levels of care in senior living?
In a senior living community, several levels of care are typically available to accommodate the varying needs of older adults. These can include independent living, assisted living and memory care. The availability of care can vary from one senior living community to another. It’s best to research and visit communities to understand their specific offerings and determine the best fit for your needs and preferences.
What are the key differences between independent living and assisted living?
Independent living and assisted living communities provide residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle and various amenities. Independent living is designed for active, self-sufficient seniors who don’t need assistance with daily activities. Independent living communities offer private residences or apartments, amenities, social activities and services tailored to active older adults.
Assisted living is for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, grooming, managing medications and meal preparation. Residents live in private or semi-private apartments and receive personalized support and care services based on their needs.
What is memory care in a senior living community?
Memory care is specialized care in a safe and supportive environment for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory impairment. Memory care communities typically offer tailored activities and programs that stimulate cognitive function and help residents maintain a sense of purpose and engagement. The environment is structured to minimize confusion and promote familiarity.
How do you know when it’s the right time to move to a senior living community?
Many of our residents believe it’s never too early to contemplate moving to senior living and often wish they had made the decision earlier. Here are some indicators to help you recognize the right time:
- When you’re ready to let go of the burdens of homeownership or apartment upkeep and embrace the benefits of senior living.
- When a little assistance can enhance your quality of life and provide a more fulfilling experience.
- When your loved one has been diagnosed with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a related cognitive condition.
- When you prefer to spend your time with friends and enjoy daily meals prepared by skilled chefs.
What is MOSAIC Personalized Care at The Carrington?
MOSAIC Personalized Care is a multifaceted approach to memory care. This unique concept aims to improve daily experiences, preserve dignity, offer peace of mind for residents and their families, encourage independence, and empower residents who experience signs of cognitive decline or memory loss. It’s inspired by Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC) model of enhancing awareness and increasing dementia care skills. Unlike standardized care programs, MOSAIC features three levels of person-centered care tailored to each resident’s needs and wants.
What is the Mezzanine level of memory care offered at The Carrington?
The Mezzanine level provides early- to mid-stage memory care, bridging the gap between independent/assisted living and long-term memory care. The Mezzanine neighborhood has private apartments for residents in the moderate stage of dementia. They need a bit more structure than traditional assisted living, but they’re not necessarily ready for the long-term memory care experience provided at our Tessera level of memory care.
Why would The Carrington be a good choice for my aging parents?
You want to be confident that the community your parents reside in provides a comfortable living space, enriches their lives and offers necessary care when required. With our active lifestyle offerings, attentive staff, modern design and scenic surroundings, The Carrington is a standout choice for seniors in the Lincolnwood area. Our modern and progressive community feels like a welcoming neighborhood. We provide you—and your loved ones—peace of mind about physical, financial, and social security and overall well-being. We also offer the flexibility of assisted living and memory care, ensuring your parents receive personalized support based on their specific needs.
What types of activities and events does The Carrington have?
From movie and game nights to shopping excursions and swim classes, there’s always something happening in our vibrant senior living community to support an active and rewarding lifestyle. Each month, we offer planned events, entertainment and social activities for our different lifestyles—independent living, assisted living, Mezzanine memory care and Tessera memory care—so there’s something for everyone.
What if The Carrington doesn’t offer my favorite hobby?
If there’s an activity you love that’s not already offered in our community, we can change that! It’s not uncommon for residents to introduce new hobbies to The Carrington. Last spring, some Nature Club members branched off to form a new Gardening Group. The horticulture hobbyists are now planting and cultivating pollinator-friendly vegetables and flowers in the gardening beds of our community gardens.
What sets The Carrington apart from other senior living communities?
Situated on a 13-acre green-space campus in Lincolnwood, a North Chicago suburb, The Carrington offers a picturesque community in a parklike setting. Think of The Carrington as an extended version of your current lifestyle—a home base catering to your active and fulfilling lifestyle designed to support your happiness and health.
Our maintenance-free environment ensures access to convenient amenities that make life easier and more enjoyable. Dedicated staff takes care of the tedious tasks associated with home maintenance, allowing you to live life on your terms and pursue your passions without constraints. Being part of our close-knit community means you’ll have the pleasure of connecting with diverse neighbors who share a common goal of creating positive experiences every day.
Our community also stands out with its all-new design, tailored to your desired lifestyle. The modern and inviting all-masonry exterior blends seamlessly with the warm interior décor. Our apartments feature open-concept kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and beautiful cabinetry. Bedrooms offer ample space with walk-in closets, and bathrooms feature granite-top vanities.
You can also enjoy the convenience of in-building parking, which is particularly handy during Chicago winters. Plus, our ideal location provides easy access to family, medical facilities, professional offices, shopping centers and places of worship, ensuring convenience and proximity to essential services.
As you continue exploring senior living options, more questions may arise. Visit our Resources page for guidance or contact us today. We’d be happy to meet with you to answer all your questions.
