Memory Care Levels of Care Explained
Finding the right memory care community for yourself or someone you love is a major, and often emotional, decision. It involves understanding the levels of care available so that a memory care community resident receives the proper amount of support without diminishing their independence or quality of life. At Five Star Senior Living, we provide personalized care that adapts to each resident’s changing needs in a warm, welcoming environment that truly feels like home.
What Does "Level of Care" Mean?
For seniors in memory care, “Level of Care” refers to the amount and type of assistance a resident needs with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Some residents may require only a little help, while others might need more assistance to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Level 0: Basic Care
Ideal for seniors who are in the very early stages of dementia but may need occasional support.
Basic Care provides a seamless transition to memory care for those that are mostly independent and require minimal redirection, providing peace of mind within a safe and engaging environment.
Level 1: Low Assistance
Designed for residents who need occasional or a low level of help.
Low Assistance includes support such as reminders, cueing redirection, and aid with mobility and daily routines.
Level 2: Moderate Assistance
Appropriate for individuals who require ongoing support.
Moderate Assistance includes comprehensive help with personal care, cognitive aid for those with impaired memory, assistance with behavioral expressions, and enhanced safety measures for residents more susceptible to disorientation or falls.
Level 3: High Assistance
Tailored for people who need significant help with daily activities.
High Assistance serves residents who have more complex health conditions requiring consistent and more frequenthands-on help and health monitoring, a greater need for redirection, increased assistance with behavioral expressions, as well as ongoing coordination with medical professionals.
Level 4: Extensive Assistance
Best for residents in the later stages of dementia, or those that have substantial medical or cognitive needs.
Extensive Assistance is the highest level of care and is for individuals with substantial medical/cognitive requirements for ongoing care and supervision. It includes specialized medical treatment plans, extensive redirection, safety supervision, assistance with behavioral expressions, and help with all aspects of daily living. It may be delivered by 2 team members, rather than one, depending on the resident’s needs.
Five Star Senior Living's Care Philosophy
At Five Star Senior Living, memory care is more than just a place for care—it’s a community where people feel respected, independent, and happy. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life with purpose, regardless of their age , health, or cognitive needs.
We know feeling happy and connected is as important as staying physically healthy. With our EPIC Living experience, we support all four pillars of wellness – emotional, physical, intellectual, and community – so residents can live life to the fullest in every way. We encourage our residents to keep doing what they love, whether that’s pursuing hobbies, staying active, or making friends, and we offer fitness classes, art workshops, and social events tailored to their interests.
How is the Appropriate Memory Care Level of Care Determined?
All Memory Care residents are assessed prior to moving in and they are monitored over their first 30 days with us to determine care requirement levels. Establishing the right level of care begins with assessing the ability of each resident to perform common tasks, known as activities of daily living (ADLs), which include:
- Dressing
- Assistance with dietary needs
- Bathing / Showering
- Continence management
- Mobility
At Five Star Senior Living, we create a personalized plan that’s just right for each resident. We also check in regularly to ensure that the care we provide stays aligned with any changes in their needs that may occur. This way, our residents always get the right level of support while maintaining as much independence as possible.
Five Star Senior Living Comprehensive Services Expanded
We proudly offer a variety of services to help our residents feel their best:
- Medical and Wellness Support – Regular health assessments by qualified medical staff, on-site medical services, and personalized wellness programs.
- Daily Living and Personal Care – Professional assistance with all aspects of personal care, customized to the preferences and schedules of each resident.
- Nutrition and Dining – Chef-prepared meals tailored to dietary needs and preferences, served in our beautiful and vibrant dining areas.
- Housekeeping and Maintenance – Regular cleaning and maintenance services, ensuring that living spaces are safe, clean, and comfortable.
- Engagement and Activities – A calendar of social, educational, and recreational activities designed to promote engagement and foster a sense of community. Activities are personalized to the unique experiences and backgrounds of each resident.
- Transparent Pricing -The cost of memory care reflects the level of care provided, and is structured to ensure that residents receive the highest quality services, tailored to their specific needs. Five Star Senior Living provides transparent pricing to help families budget effectively without any surprises.
Discover the Five Star Difference in Memory Care
Find an memory care community near you to see how our warm, caring environment provides exceptional support and endless opportunities for residents to thrive!