INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Continuum of Care:
DELIVERING HEALTH SERVICES OVER TIME
S
enior living communities that offer a continuum of
care provide accommodations for those who can live
independently, need some assistance, and require 24-
hour nursing care. In an ideal situation, someone will
begin their experience fully independent and, as time goes on
and their needs change, move to a more appropriate community
located on the same property.
Picture this. Your loved one has been living happily in an
independent living community for years. They have an active
social life with plenty of friends, neighbors and opportunities to
get out and enjoy their time. Then, one day, you notice they are
struggling with everyday tasks such as bathing and grooming.
It’s become obvious they are no longer as independent as they
were when they first moved into the community. They need a
little extra help.
Unfortunately, they do not live in a continuum care
community and you will have to look for another community
with the level of care they need. Additionally, both you and your
loved one will have to form new friendships and relationships
with a whole new staff and become familiar with a new
environment. Handling all the details of the move can truly be
overwhelming.
Discover Asbury Heights
We provide independent living, personal care,
rehabilitation, nursing, and memory support care.
This continuum of care enables us to provide residents
with priority access to additional care if the need arises.
By planning ahead, and selecting a continuum of care before
care needs change, you can avoid the stress and headaches
outline above. The following is what to expect from a continuum
care community – and more!
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Those residing in an Independent Living community are
able to accomplish daily tasks without assistance. In such an
environment, residents typically do not need help with daily
activities and are able to care for themselves.
PERSONAL CARE
Residents of a personal care community can live fairly
independent, but may require assistance with daily activities
such as getting dressed, grooming, bathing and medication
management. Those who need support with tasks such as
cooking, cleaning and transportation also benefit from personal
care services.
SKILLED NURSING
Skilled nursing communities are ideal for those who require
24-hour care. There are still plenty of social opportunities at this
level.
Some continuum communities also offer rehabilitation and
memory support services on their campus.
REHABILITATION
Choosing a continuum of care with a comprehensive
rehabilitation program can be beneficial if the need arises.
Asbury Heights, part of UPMC Senior Communities, provides
such a program which includes physical, occupational and
speech therapy.
MEMORY SUPPORT
Nearly six million Americans are living with dementia, many
of whom are older adults. These individuals need specialized,
person-centered care to focus on their needs, wants, desires
and goals. The nurses, caregivers, administrators and other staff
of Asbury Heights receive ongoing training to stay current on
the most innovative and effective practices and approaches for
those living with dementia in their memory support areas.
There are many factors to consider before moving into a
senior living community, but if you can find one that includes
everything listed above, it will make any care transitions much
easier. Plus, you can enter into a continuum care community at
an level. To learn more about Asbury Heights’ continuum of care,
please visit our website at www.asburyheights.org, call us at
412.571.5138, or email me at [email protected].
This Industry Insight was written by John Komisary,
Director of Sales and Marketing at Asbury Heights,
part of UPMC Senior Communities.
700 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon • asburyheights.org
Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
UPPER ST. CLAIR
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SPRING 2019
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