Comparing Common Levels of Senior Living Options

May 24, 2022

Located in Wisconsin’s beautiful Lake Country, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities is a Life Plan Community offering a full continuum of care for older adults. Our wooded, 300-acre campus features beautiful winding paths and gorgeous views of the Bark River, which allows residents the ability to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The care levels provided at Three Pillars range from independent living options all the way to 24/7 skilled nursing care. An older adult’s needs can change at a moment’s notice, but at Three Pillars, we can meet most needs right here on one campus, even as they change. This versatility means the resident, families, and friends enjoy assurance of future care, familiarity, and consistency. The benefit of a full continuum is that it allows us to meet resident needs now and in the future.

Every older adult exploring senior living has unique needs, so understanding the differences between care levels is critical. From cost to levels of hands-on care, the four common levels of senior living cater to different audiences.

Our experienced team members will guide you to find the perfect option. At Three Pillars, we are renowned for the quality of our specialized care and the personal relationships our staff builds with residents.

What are Common Options in Senior Living?

Independent Living
Provides an active lifestyle for individuals age 55+ while focusing on socialization and peace of mind for the future.

Assisted Living
Designed to combine the benefits of living as independently as possible with needed support for activities of daily living. May offer a range of services and care levels, ranging from basic support to high-level assistance.

Memory Care
Specialized assisted living with support for those who experience memory loss or a cognitive impairment.

Skilled Nursing
Offers 24/7 care from nurses to meet a person’s health care needs on a daily basis, often until the end of life.

Short-Term Rehabilitation
Provides around-the-clock nursing care and therapy services to help someone heal after an illness, injury, or post-surgery.

Independent Living (Village on the Square)

Independent living is for those age 55 and up who are looking for an active lifestyle with all the comforts of home but no headaches of home maintenance. Individuals residing in an apartment home or cottage can get around on their own, whether independently or with an assistive device. They can live independently and don’t require in-house clinical or medical services.

At Three Pillars’ Village on the Square, we offer a premier independent living community, complete with side-by-side duplexes and traditional apartment living. From our first conversation, we get to know you, and listen to understand your needs and desires. Selecting and customizing an apartment home to meet your needs is just a part of the exciting experience.

Once settled into your new residence, we offer all our residents an abundance of activities and amenities. From chef-prepared meals at our River’s Edge Restaurant to a full calendar of activities and outings, you’ll never lack things to do on your own or with your neighbors. We offer one-bedroom or larger apartments and two-bedroom duplex cottages, featuring full kitchens with appliances, a washer, dryer, and utilities included.

“A full calendar of activities and outings means you’ll never lack things to do on your own or with your neighbors.”

Catered Assisted Living – RCAC (Compass Point)

When the daily routines of life become difficult to manage alone, or even if you need the peace of mind of having someone present 24/7 for those “just in case” moments, our catered assisted living, or a Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC), is the answer.

Generally, a shift to assisted living from an independent apartment or private residence is due to a health or safety concern. Residents at Compass Point are encouraged to live as independently as possible, with personal preference, routines, and independence honored at all times. We can provide assistance with bathing, light dressing, grooming, and medication management.

Activities and programs with a focus on all dimensions of wellness are plentiful. Residents also benefit from a full interdisciplinary care team who is there to meet their needs, from the clinical team to social services, spiritual support, and more. Assisted living residents live in an apartment-style residence, very similar to our apartment-style homes.

Assisted Living – CBRF (Riverside Lodge)

High Level Assisted Living
In the summer of 2022, the newest part of our campus opened – Riverside Lodge CBRF assisted living. This community offers a higher level of assistance and services than Compass Point RCAC, yet not quite the full 24/7 nursing care that skilled nursing provides. Contact us to learn more and see if this is the right fit for you or your loved one.

Memory Care CBRF
Memory Care is a specialized Community Based Residential Facility Assisted Living (CBRF) for individuals who experience memory loss as their primary area of need. The memory care neighborhood at Three Pillars’ Riverside Lodge is supportive while promoting as much independence as possible. Millions of people experience memory loss, and our certified staff is more than ready to help. All our team members are specially trained to ensure they are ready and able to understand the unique needs of each resident. Memory care at Three Pillars is specifically designed for residents with dementia or cognitive impairments, with a small, home-like feel. Each resident has a personalized care plan, which includes 24-hour support and supervision, as well as engaging and stimulating activities.

Skilled Nursing (Masonic Center for Health & Rehab)

Long-Term Care
For some residents, as the aging process or medical conditions evolve, daily nursing care is required to maintain optimal health and wellness. Residents residing in skilled nursing require care from a licensed nurse each day. Skilled nursing residents no longer have to worry about their own blood sugar monitoring or the administration of multiple complex daily medications, for example. If they need IV therapy, wound care, or medical equipment monitoring, it’s provided 24/7. Our Masonic Health Care Center is newly renovated to feature large private accommodations and a warm, household layout.

Short-Term Rehabilitation (Hickory Suites)
This care level is provided in skilled nursing. Rehabilitation is provided in a private location where individuals can come for a short stay after an illness or procedure to regain strength and mobility. Physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy are provided daily so residents are able to return home quickly. Spacious, private suites make this short stay as comfortable as possible.

Continuum of Care

We’re proud of the variety of care levels we offer based on individual needs. We take great pride in our ability to craft personal and meaningful relationships with our residents, ensuring that any change in level of senior living care is as smooth and stress-free as possible. We recognize that navigating the process or deciding to move comes with a tough set of challenges, and we are here to help you understand and navigate them. As you explore the various options, never hesitate to reach out and speak with one of our experienced team members.