“Within the next decade, we will see a huge surge of people entering senior living, which has necessitated a reinvention of what senior living is like and what it means to be retired,” says Laurie Ralston, Marketing Director of Kingswood Senior Living. “That means a lot of retired and soon-to-be-retired people are beginning to search senior living options for themselves or their loved ones.”
In light of everything happening in the world today – now is a good time for you to consider moving to a senior living community like Kingswood. “We believe you should live the life you love free of worry,” says Laurie. “Our residents can relax and shelter at home in safety – we’ll take care of everything. They don’t have to worry about preparing meals, going to the grocery store or picking up prescriptions at the drug store. Our staff members have this covered and are here to care for you. We ensure that your home remains safe, clean and secure.”
“Here, you’ll find maintenance-free living, safety and security, great friends and neighbors, and a full continuum of care should you need it, all in the city you know and love. What’s not to enjoy about life at a senior living community?”
The choices can be overwhelming, says Laurie, particularly if this is the first time you’ve started researching your options. “These days, it seems like the options for senior living are endless,” she says. “That can make choosing the right community for you seem overwhelming. It’s important to look at the basics of each type of senior living to help you narrow down your list and investigate further.”
When it comes to choosing a senior living community, Laurie says that seniors need to think about two things in particular: current needs and future needs. “You want your senior living community to meet your current lifestyle while also allowing you to age in place on your own terms and with the assistance you need,” she says. “This will ensure that your retirement years will be enjoyable, enriching and inspiring each and every day.”
The Different Types of Senior Living
- Aging in Place
If you ask a senior in your life where they would like to spend their golden years, the majority of them will say, “I want to stay in my home.” That’s the basic idea of “aging in place,” which is where a senior lives in their own home throughout their senior years. This is a good option for older adults who are relatively independent or have the option to hire in the assistance they need, without sacrificing their quality of life.This option can be relatively cost-effective if the senior can get help from family and friends. However, hiring assistance in the form of caregivers, meal delivery, cleaning and other services, can get pricey – as can making modifications to the home in order to help the senior live safely (installing a chair lift, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, etc). It also can be the most isolating of senior living lifestyles, since the senior is living in a family home and might be far away from other aging friends or family.
- Independent Living
Independent living in a specific community like a senior living community, 55+ apartment or village is designed to meet the needs of an aging consumer. This option is good for active, older adults who want to live in a community setting, but don’t want to deal with home maintenance, cooking or cleaning. Communities that only offer independent living are also an affordable senior living option. There may be opportunities for socialization, scheduled activities and more. However, if health needs change, residents are responsible for obtaining outside care services and couples may need to be separated to accommodate these care needs. - Assisted Living
Assisted living generally takes place in a standalone community or as part of a larger senior living campus. Residents live in independent apartments but enjoy community space such as dining rooms, common areas, craft spaces and more. Trained staff members work with the residents to put together a care plan that helps them live as independently as possible while receiving assistance for the things they need (such as bathing, dressing and other activities of daily life). Communities offer maintenance-free living, social and recreational activities, scheduled transportation and other perks. The nice part about most assisted living is that care flexes with your care needs, meaning you can receive as much or as little help as you need. - Memory Care
Memory care is designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia and cognitive issues. These communities are either standalone or a separate part of a larger community. Memory care “neighborhoods,” as they are often called, are designed based on best practices to help those with dementia feel confident and secure. Residents live in their own private rooms and have access to the entire neighborhood, from common areas to secure outdoor courtyards. Specially trained medical staff are on hand to provide assistance and provide comfort and security at all times. - Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is designed for older adults who need long-term, around-the-clock care, or short-term rehabilitation following an illness or injury. These types of services can be available in free-standing facilities or part of a senior living community setting. They have medical professionals on staff as well as speech, physical or occupational therapists to help provide rehabilitation. Residents live in their own private space, but have access to the community at large, including meals, activities and other perks. - Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), or Life Plan Community
These communities really do have it all. This type of senior living encompasses all care types – independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing/rehabilitation services all on one campus. This style of community truly allows seniors to “age in place” because they are able to stay on campus no matter if or how their needs change. There is a significant peace of mind that comes with this style of senior living – for both residents and their family members.
“As a Life Plan Community, choosing Kingswood means you’re choosing an option that provides confidence for your future and brings priceless peace of mind to you and your children,” says Laurie. “As a resident, you will always have access to the level of health care you need in the community you know and love. It truly is the best of all worlds, and a great place for seniors to call home.”
For more information about senior living options and understanding the senior living landscape, or to learn more about our outstanding retirement community in the heart of Kansas City, please contact us at (816) 673-2835.
Welcome to Kansas City’s Senior Living Sweet Spot.
Inspired senior living at Kingswood means living the retirement lifestyle you want – and deserve. We take care of most routine chores and maintenance, so you can keep enjoying all the things you love about living in Kansas City. And you have more time to try new things, have new adventures.
All of the activities and amenities are here to do more than just keep you busy. They’re here to enhance your whole life. It’s an intentional, holistic approach that helps you live healthier and happier. And, of course, you have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like spending time with friends and family.
Our Life Plan Community offers all levels of care and everything is located under one roof. We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Long-term Skilled Nursing Care and Short-term Rehabilitation. Kingswood is a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community). This is an outstanding senior living value because you are assured access to care in the comfort of familiar surroundings. When combined with our maintenance-free lifestyle, a Life Plan Community represents an affordable option providing value beyond your current home and other senior living community offerings … and peace of mind for a lifetime.
