The main difference between independent living, assisted living, and skilled care is the level of support and assistance each type of facility provides. Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who are still relatively independent and do not need much help with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities provide a higher level of support and assistance, and skilled care facilities provide the highest level of care, including 24-hour nursing care.Determining what level of care you or your family member needs can be difficult however, our team is here to help you navigate this transition and we have resources like the Continuum of Care Quiz to help you decide which level is care is right for you or your loved one.We recommend exploring our care service pages, taking our care quiz, and scheduling a free consult before choosing which is right for you. In the meantime, here are some key differences between our care services all in one place.Independent LivingIndependent living residents dont need help with their activities of daily living but have chosen to simplify their lives so they can focus on whats most important to them and leave burdensome everyday tasks to the trusted staff.Residents are provided laundry and housekeeping services, creative and chef-prepared meals and snacks, cozy libraries with fireplaces, books, and puzzles, and beautifully landscaped grounds and patios.Independent living at Grace Pointe allows residents to maintain independence with private apartments, assuring them a strong sense of peace of mind through security features, nearby medical experts, and 24-hour emergency response systems.Grace Pointe offers a social atmosphere where residents can participate in group and individual activities and wellness classes, host their own gatherings in the common room and kitchen, meet with friends or family at the coffee bar & bistro or pamper themselves at the full-service salon and barbershop!Learn more about Independent Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Assisted LivingAssisted living residents are still fairly independent, but may find it challenging to accomplish daily tasks, and may have mobility issues, special dietary needs, medication management concerns, or require help with bathing and dressing.As a full-service assisted living facility, Grace Pointe can provide medical transportation, assistance with medications, exercise and wellness programs, basic health status monitoring, assistance with toilet use and bathing, and nursing supervision or monitoring.Residents in assisted living may require some help with their daily tasks but dont require extensive medical care.Seniors moving into assisted living at Grace Pointe do so for the security of knowing that we have 24-hour staffing, for the socialization that a community provides, and for oversight and assistance when and if it becomes necessary.Learn more about Assisted Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Skilled NursingSkilled Nursing at Grace Pointe includes 24-hour monitoring for residents with extensive medical needs and assistance by nurses and CNAs trained to address the everyday needs of residents in an elegant, home-like setting.Grace Pointes Skilled Nursing neighborhood has private units, each with comfortable adjustable beds, European showers, elegant dining and living room, chef-prepared meals, and a nurse call system.Learn more about Skilled Nursing at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.We have neighborhoods for Independent Living, Assisted Living and Long Term Care providing a comfortable home for you or your family member no matter the life stage. 

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers, and that number is expected to reach 13 million by 2050. Although dementia treatment can lessen the impact of symptoms on daily life (and promising new drugs may slow the progression of dementia), currently there isnt a cure or a way to prevent the disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior.Common dementia treatment options include:Medication options for dementia treatmentMedications are commonly used to treat symptoms of Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Symptoms include cognitive (memory and thinking) issues, behavioral changes and sleep problems.Recently, there have been exciting breakthroughs in dementia treatment. New medications are showing promise at slowing the progression of dementia. These include anti-amyloid antibody intravenous (IV) infusion therapies for people in the early stages of dementia.When considering medication options for dementia treatment, questions to ask your loved ones doctor include:How does this medication treat the symptom(s)?How will you measure its effectiveness?What are the potential side effects? When should we contact you if we notice changes?How will this drug interact with existing treatments for other conditions?What options are available if insurance does not cover this drug?A Person-centered approachA person-centered approach complements medical dementia treatment by addressing behaviors that often stem from an unmet human need. Executive Director of Memory Support Services for Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Joel Kroft, explains, All behavior has purpose and meaning, and all humans use behavior as part of our normal communication with others. When we recognize that behaviors are often expressing an unmet need, either physical or emotional, then we can work toward understanding instead of frustration. If we meet the unmet need that is being expressed, then that behavior often goes away. Through this person-centered care lens, we can minimize or eliminate many challenging behaviors that are really just our residents expressing their needs, without the use of medications, and improve the quality of life for our residents living with dementia.Validation MethodThe Validation Method is a technique and a philosophy for dementia care created from the person-centered care practice of the late, Naomi Fell. This approach accepts the reality of the person with dementia rather than trying to force him/her to accept ours.Family, friends and caregivers learn how to listen with empathy and ask questions that allow the person with dementia to more fully express frustrations and concerns with dignity. By being accepting and compassionate, these conversations can help reduce anxiety and worries in the person with dementia and often improve connection with others.Learn how Country Meadows has embraced the Validation Method in our commitment to quality memory care.Technological toolsTechnology is offering exciting new tools for dementia treatment. The innovative Tovertafel (Tover Table) is an interactive game console that projects dynamic images onto a table or floor for participants to touch.At Country Meadows, use of the Tover Table has been shown to increase alertness and focus, reduce restlessness and tense behaviors including sundowning and promote social and physical activity in residents with dementia. For families, it enhances connections in a fun and meaningful way.

I began my career in senior living in 1996.  I had just graduated with my bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation.  My first job was working in a nursing home as an activity assistant in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.  For the next ten years, I devoted my work week to providing seniors with meaningful activities.  It was a joy to bring smiles to people.  The programming that is now offered in senior housing has evolved. While some assisted living communities still offer bingo and bible study there is so much more to look forward to.Social EventsParties and Themed Get TogethersSocial events serve the purpose of bringing people together for the fun of it.  Birthday parties, monthly themed get-togethers and holiday celebrations are other fun ways to bring people together.  Some senior living communities will plan theme parties and design the menu to include a special meal related to the party.  This gives everyone an opportunity to participate.Music is a MustLive music is one activity that almost everyone enjoys.  You can sing along, clap, dance or just listen to the tunes.  Music feeds the soul.  It also helps to bring forgotten memories forward for people that have dementia.Happy HourHappy hour is not just for people who enjoy adult libations.  Non-alcoholic options are almost always served too.  Many assisted living homes include a generous snack to go along with the beverages.Community TripsShoppping and OutingsSenior living almost always offers transportation for scheduled community outings.  First off, most people like to go out to eat.  Even when the senior living offers meals three times a day, getting out allows for a change of scenery.Secondly, seniors like to go to the store and shop.  In this case, the bus will take you from home and drop you off at the store.  Sometimes, a staff member is available to assist you with shopping.  Seasonal trips to the theater, casino, and other places around town offer entertainment outside of facility.When I was an activity director, the residents of the senior living wanted to go sledding during the winter.  One resident had never done this before, and it was something she always hoped to do.  We loaded up the van and took the residents to Buck Hill in Burnsville.Ill never forget the smile on Claras face as she rode down the hill.  As I helped her out of the inner tube she said to me, you made my dream come true.  It is a highlight of my career.Intellectual ProgramsLifelong LearningKeeping your mind engaged in stimulating programs is important as a person ages. Senior living homes are now offering a wide range of programs to do just that, keep your brain active.Lifelong learning is one of the cornerstones at Ebenezer communities.  They combine educational programs with a collection of coordinated arts to keep the mind active. The Waters Senior Living offers a program called The Great Courses.  This award-winning program allows you to learn from experts and professors from institutions all around the world.Online OptionsTechnology now offers many ways for seniors to stay engaged in educational programming.  Whether its Solitaire or Soduko, games like these help engage the mind.  Online courses are a benefit today.  We can learn about events and history all over the world in the comforts of our own home.Creative ArtsArt gives everyone the opportunity to explore and tap into their creative selves.  Whether it is a guided painting class, drawing or journaling, we all have an artist within us.It is amazing to watch something beautiful emerge from a blank page.  There are some senior living communities that have designated space such as an art studio or a woodworking shop. At times, these classes are taught by the residents living there. This is a great way to share a talent and give leadership opportunities to the people living there.Dementia Specific ProgrammingWhen it comes to serving people with memory loss, senior living communities create targeted programs that are designed to give purpose and meaning for those living in memory care.For several years, I worked in an assisted living community that served as a primary residence to more than 70 people living with dementia.  What made this community special was the programming and the people who carried out the services daily. Great care was taken in planning activities that would be meaningful to the people living there.Music always played a big role in bringing forward memories.  Faith based programming was also incorporated into each month.  Sensory programs like baking and special meals were also intertwined throughout the month.  Reminiscing about the past was incorporated into sing along programs and trivia.In memory care, it is essential to know the interests of each resident to design a program that gives everyone an opportunity to participate.Celebrate Activity ProfessionalsJanuary 24th, 2024 is National Activity Professionals day.  It is a day to recognize and thank the creative teams that bring so much joy to the people they serve in senior housing and beyond. Take a moment to say Thank You or write a note of encouragement.Planning creative programs month after month is challenging.  The professionals that chose this career do it because they love making other people happy.Thank you, activity professionals for making a difference in the lives of seniors!  Call us for more information at 651-261-5379.   Written by Janelle Meyers, CSA (R), LALD