Caregivers Guide to Senior Living Options in Virginia Beach
Explore Senior Living Options at Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach, Virginia
From independent living apartments and villas to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, the different levels of care in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can feel overwhelming for families to navigate. Making an informed decision on behalf of aging parents or a senior loved one begins with getting to know and understand your local options for senior living. The next step is finding the one that best meets you or your family member’s needs.
We’ll take a closer look at what a CCRC is and explain a little more about each type of care the community offers.
What Senior Living Options are Offered at Atlantic Shores?
Atlantic Shores is a highly regarded continuum of care community in Virginia Beach. This popular style of senior living community offers a variety of levels of care on one campus, offering confidence and peace of mind to older adults and their family members. Seniors and adult children know that if needs change — whether long term or temporarily after an illness or surgery — they’ll find the support they need on the same campus.
Families can also select from several different types of contracts, depending on the level of care a senior is interested in and the financial commitment they feel comfortable making. An experienced Atlantic Shores sales counselor can walk you through each type when you call or visit.
If you are wondering which senior living option might be the best fit for you or your loved one, here’s a little more information to help you understand the similarities and differences of each.
Understanding Independent Living
Independent living is designed with the active adult in mind. This level of senior living frees residents from some of the traditional burdens of homeownership, like housekeeping and meal preparation. Instead of mowing grass, shoveling snow and tracking down a repair person to fix the refrigerator, independent living residents spend their days pursuing favorite passions and pastimes.
At Atlantic Shores, older adults who are interested in independent living can select from one- to three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and private balconies or two- bedroom, single-story villas. They’ll enjoy having access to wellness programs, social activities and local outings like dolphin and whale watching.
A choice of dining options is another popular amenity. Residents can grab a quick bite at The Bistro, sample international fare at The Magnolia or sit down to a fine dining experience at The Chesapeake.
What Is Assisted Living?
An assisted living community provides an older loved one with the best of two worlds: the independence they desire and the support they need. At Atlantic Shores, residents select from a studio or one- or two-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette. The advantage assisted living offers is that a caregiver is always nearby when needed. It’s a combination that helps an older adult maintain a sense of independence longer.
Whether they need a helping hand to provide assistance with personal care or want to enjoy a full range of daily events and activities, residents benefit from having some of the highest staff-to-resident ratios in the Virginia Beach area. With a licensed practical nurse and state-certified nursing assistants on-site 24/7, families can feel confident that their loved one is in good hands.
Like those in independent living, assisted living residents have a choice of dining options, wellness programs and social activities. They also have daily concierge services available to help with everything from scheduling repairs to signing for deliveries.
Memory Care Programs in a CCRC
When someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, finding a care partner who treats them with respect and kindness is vital. In the Marina Bay neighborhood at Atlantic Shores, we do that and more. High staff-to-resident ratios mean adults with dementia are cared for by team members who get to know them. It creates an environment where residents feel safe and supported.
Caregivers understand how to provide just the right amount of assistance to keep memory care residents safe while also promoting dignity and independence. Private suites in this secure neighborhood further reinforce independence.
Scheduling a tour is the best way to learn more about the advantages of a memory care neighborhood, from communication to specialized dining and activities.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
A skilled nursing center that offers both short- and long-term care is an essential part of a CCRC. Seaside Health Center is a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility that accommodates adults ages 55 and older.
This level of care is for those with medical needs that are too complex for assisted living or who need an advanced level of personal care. Medication management is also provided.
Residents in a skilled nursing center have a private or semi private suite in a setting where licensed nurses are on-site around the clock to deliver care. Seniors enjoy nutritious, chef-prepared meals and daily life enrichment activities.
Understanding Rehabilitation in a CCRC
Finally, CCRCs also offer rehabilitation services to help older adults recover from an injury, an illness or a planned surgery. The goal is often to continue a recovery that started in the hospital.
Rehabilitation services generally include a combination of:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
A patient in a rehab center might also receive disease-management or nutrition counseling.
If space permits, rehabilitation centers may accept patients who aren’t residents of the CCRC for short-term stays. Once their recovery is complete, they return to their home.
You’re Invited to a Garden Party
With a campus boasting over 100 wooded acres along the shores of Lake Redwing, it’s easy to understand why one of Atlantic Shores’s most popular community events is the 2nd Annual Spring Garden Festival, featuring live music, vendors, craft demonstrations and more. We extend an invitation to area seniors and their families to join us for this year’s event on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Call (757) 716-3000 for more details or to RSVP today!
