With over 900 million people in the world over the age of 60 and that number projected to grow to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050, the demand for senior care and accommodations will continue to rise. It is estimated that 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long-term health care during their lifetime. It is never too early to plan for your future and to learn of the options available. Most people have heard of assisted living, independent living, and memory care, but are unfamiliar with another great option in senior care – Life Plan Communities.
Life Plan Community Defined
So, what is a Life Plan Community? Simply put, it is an active, vibrant retirement community with options for future healthcare (if and when needed) located on the same campus. To qualify as a Life Plan Community, a community must offer several levels of care and living options all on one campus. For most communities, these include:
-Independent Living: For those who are healthy or relatively healthy and wish to remain independent
-Assisted Living: For those who wish to live independently but may need help with a daily living task (bathing, dressing, etc.)
-Memory Care: For those who need a safe, secure, and homelike environment with specialized care for cognitive impairments
-Skilled Nursing Care: For those who need round-the-clock assistance or daily medical attention
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) was the common name for this type of community for many years, but in 2014 a national task force was formed to examine the effectiveness of this title. The new title of “Life Plan Community” was established in 2015 as a better fit to describe these communities which empower seniors to plan for their future and live a purposeful, active life.
Amenities & Features
Distinctly unique from stand-alone assisted living, memory care, or retirement facilities, a Life Plan Community boasts its own features and amenities. Having the entire continuum of care on one campus is really what sets Life Plan Communities apart, and they often promote an active lifestyle through all the levels of care, resulting in a vibrant and active community. Many Life Plan Communities feature picturesque surroundings on their large campuses with ample space to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors. Couples find Life Plan Communities especially appealing since the varying levels of support on one campus allow them to remain close, even if one individual eventually requires a higher level of care.
Many supportive services are also available on the campus of a Life Plan Community, including nursing care, physician visits, therapy, and short- or long-term rehabilitation. Additional amenities can include transportation, dining options, housekeeping, social opportunities, fitness classes and wellness programs. A select number of Life Plan Communities, such as Snyder Village in Metamora, IL, include the added benefit of a 24-hour emergency response system, which provides assurance knowing help is nearby. With home maintenance, lawn care, and snow shoveling taken care of by the community, residents have the freedom to live their lifestyle without being bogged down by the tasks of home upkeep. Life Plan Communities are specially designed for those adults who desire a full life while enjoying hobbies, interests, wellness pursuits, and time with friends and family.
Taking the Next Step
For those wanting to learn more about these unique communities, scheduling an in-person tour is the best way to get a true sense of what living there would be like. Julie Beltramea, Retirement Community Director at Snyder Village, enjoys taking prospective residents on tour, where they can see an apartment, cottage, dining room, library, and perhaps even a class or other activity in progress. To schedule your own tour of Snyder Village Retirement Community, call Julie at (309) 367-4900.
In order to move into a Life Plan Community, individuals must first qualify through an application process. The application will differ depending on which level of care an individual is seeking, and the process can be extensive. This detailed application process assists the Community in ensuring there will be enough room for the resident to progress through the different levels of care if the need arises.
To take full advantage of the benefits of a Life Plan Community, individuals should aim for entering the community when healthy enough to enjoy the freedom and convenience of independent living first and then enjoy receiving support through all the stages of their senior years. It’s never too early to start the planning process!
When thinking about senior living options, take into consideration all that a Life Plan Community has to offer. There is a feeling of security that comes from being part of a trusted community, and knowing that a senior can transition to another level of care without having to relocate outside of a familiar community brings a sense of comfort and relief. While Life Plan Communities boast many unique amenities and features, the peace of mind they provide is enough to make them an excellent choice among senior living options.
Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments. Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus. Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.
