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Independent Living

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living is a housing option for older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to services like dining, housekeeping and social activities. It’s ideal for those who are active and self-sufficient but want to enjoy community living.

There are a few common types:

  • Active Adult Communities (55+ or 62+): Age-restricted neighborhoods for independent, active adults. These typically do not include healthcare services.
  • Care Communities: Include Independent Living with access to care services like Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing.
  • Rental Communities: Offer Independent Living with services and amenities, typically without a large upfront cost.

Each option varies in age requirements, services and cost structure. The Peninsula of Charleston is a care community that will offer Independent Living along with higher levels of care when needed, plus the benefits of homeownership.

What are the benefits of Independent Living?

Independent Living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, social engagement, distinctive dining options and access to amenities while maintaining independence.

What is the average cost of Independent Living?

Costs vary by location as well as the services and amenities that are offered. The Peninsula of Charleston provides the opportunity to own your residence, offering equity gains and flexibility. To learn more about The Peninsula of Charleston’s pricing, please reach out to be connected to a Sales Advisor.

What is an ownership-model Independent Living community?

An ownership-model Independent Living community allows you to purchase your residence instead of renting it. This gives you the security and equity benefits of homeownership, combined with the convenience and services of a luxury senior living community.

What are the advantages of owning your Independent Living residence?

Ownership offers financial and lifestyle benefits, including building equity, having the freedom to personalize your home and the ability to sell or transfer ownership in the future. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for stability, value and the sense of belonging that comes with owning your space.

What services are available through Independent Living?

Dining, housekeeping, transportation, social activities and wellness programs.

Assisted Living

When is the right time for a loved one to move to Assisted Living?

When they need help with daily tasks like medication management, dressing or meal preparation, but still want to maintain a level of independence.

What is the difference between Assisted Living and a nursing home?

Assisted Living provides help with daily activities while promoting independence, whereas nursing homes offer 24/7 medical care for those with complex health needs.

What does Assisted Living provide?

Assisted Living provides personalized services with support for activities of daily living. Examples include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving from one position to another) and maintaining continence. Assisted Living communities like The Peninsula of Charleston are designed to provide support while also maintaining and promoting independence for the resident.

Memory Care

What is Memory Care?

Memory Care is support for individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairment in a secure and structured environment. At The Peninsula of Charleston, residents will be provided with specialized programming, and care will be delivered by staff trained to support those with cognitive impairment.

What is the difference between Memory Care and Assisted Living?

Assisted Living provides oversight and support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Memory Care provides this same support along with enhanced security, structured routines and specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

What is the difference between Memory Care and Alzheimer’s care?

Alzheimer’s care is a type of Memory Care specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s, while Memory Care supports those with various cognitive impairments, including dementia.

When is it time for Memory Care?

When a loved one’s safety, well-being or daily functioning is at risk due to dementia-related challenges like wandering, confusion or difficulty managing daily tasks.

When should someone with dementia go into a care community?

When they require 24/7 supervision, struggle with daily tasks or show signs of wandering, confusion or behavioral changes that impact safety.

What are the most common types of dementia?

The most common types of dementia include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease: The most prevalent form of dementia, marked by gradual memory loss, confusion and changes in thinking and behavior. It’s caused by abnormal protein buildup in the brain that disrupts cell function.
  • Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of small strokes. Symptoms can include difficulty with problem-solving, slowed thinking and memory issues.
  • Lewy body dementia: Associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It can cause visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, movement issues and fluctuations in attention or alertness.
  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): A group of disorders caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It often leads to personality changes, difficulty with language and impulsive behavior, usually at a younger age than other dementias.

Each type affects the brain differently and requires tailored approaches to care and support.

What are the stages of dementia?

Early (mild memory loss), middle (increased confusion and difficulty with tasks) and late (severe impairment and full-time care needed).

How do I care for loved ones with dementia?

Provide a structured routine, encourage engagement, ensure safety and seek professional support when needed.

Skilled Nursing

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)?

A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is a healthcare community that provides 24/7 medical care by a licensed nursing team and other trained staff to assist individuals recovering from illness, surgery or managing chronic conditions. SNFs like The Peninsula of Charleston may offer short-term stays with rehabilitation services and/or long-term care.

These stays can be categorized as:

  • Acute care, which involves intensive, short-term treatment for severe or urgent medical conditions following hospitalization
  • Sub-acute care, which is less intensive but still requires skilled services such as physical therapy, wound care or IV management during recovery

Skilled Nursing helps bridge the gap between hospital and home, offering the support needed for a safe and effective recovery.

Rehabilitation

What are the goals of Rehabilitation?

To restore function, improve mobility, enhance independence and support overall recovery and well-being.

Who needs Rehabilitation?

Individuals recovering from surgery, injury, stroke or illness who need therapy to regain mobility, strength and daily living skills.

What does Rehabilitative care include?

Therapy services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy to help individuals regain strength, mobility and independence after injury, illness or surgery.

What is the difference between Rehabilitation and a Nursing Home?

Rehabilitative services, like those to be offered at The Peninsula of Charleston, focus on helping individuals recover after an illness, injury or surgery through therapies such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. While many rehabilitation stays are short-term, some individuals may require extended care depending on their progress and condition.

Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide long-term residential care for individuals with chronic medical conditions, disabilities or those who require ongoing assistance with daily activities.

CCRC

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)/ Life Plan Community?

A senior living community offering a full continuum of care, from Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.

What is the purpose of a Continuing Care Community?

To provide housing and care, allowing residents to transition between levels of care as their needs change.

How does a Continuing Care Retirement Community work?

Residents move in independently and have access to higher levels of care if needed.

What is a Life Plan Community?

Another term for a CCRC, emphasizing a long-term plan for senior living with multiple care options.

What’s included in a Life Plan Community?

Housing, dining, wellness programs, social activities and access to healthcare services.

What do Life Plan Communities cost?

The cost of a Life Plan Community depends on factors like location, the type of residence and the services and amenities included. These communities may follow different financial models, such as:

  • Ownership or equity-based, where you purchase your residence
  • Entrance fee, where you pay an upfront fee along with monthly charges
  • Rental, where you pay a monthly rate without a large upfront cost

Each model comes with its own structure for covering care and services. The Peninsula of Charleston will operate as an ownership/equity-based community, allowing residents to purchase their residence while still having access to care and services.