Options for Johnson County Senior Resident Care Communities

Not sure where to start when a loved one needs care? Here is a breakdown of the different types of residential care communities available in Johnson County. There are six categories of residential care communities:

Independent Senior Living: These are apartments within a complex and/or townhomes, cottages, or duplexes located on a senior living campus. Individuals living independently can manage all aspects of daily life. Services provided vary depending on the community. They may include transportation, security, a meal plan, housekeeping, recreational activities and social programs. No health care services are provided.

Assisted Living: Certified facilities providing help with activities of daily living, 24 hour staff/supervision, medication distribution, emergency call system, 3 daily meals, housekeeping/ laundry, health and exercise programs, social programs and activities, transportation and access to medical care.

Nursing Homes: There are 2 types of licenses -
Intermediate Care. This is nonskilled or custodial care provided in a nursing home. Generally seniors needing this level of care are aging with multiple chronic health problems. The majority of residents residing permanently in nursing homes require this level of care.
Skilled Care. Seniors needing skilled care have had an “event” occur (i.e. broken hip, stroke, etc.) that generally requires a hospital stay and once discharged requires rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy). Regular intravenous injections, regular care and treatment of a wound or bedsore may also require skilled care. Usually skilled care in needed only on a short-term basis with Medicare paying for that care. Once the senior has improved to his/her pre-event condition or he/she has reached a plateau with no additional improvement anticipated, he/she will be discharged from skilled care.

Memory Care: These are distinct areas of a nursing home or assisted living facility that specifically caters to the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems. These units provide the same services as those received in assisted living or a nursing home. In addition, staff is required to receive training specific to the care of residents with Alzheimer/dementia or impaired cognition. The physical layout, environment and security of the unit is designed for those with wondering behaviors.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities: These are campuses that provide a full continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to nursing care. No matter what the future nursing care needs may be, residents have the peace of mind knowing that care and services are available and will be provided on that campus.

Hospice Home: This is a community-based not for profit dedicated to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life-care by focusing on the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our guests and their loved ones in a peaceful, home-like environment.

Note: The above information was compiled by the Livable Community Housing Action Team.
Revised January 2020

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