What is Supportive Living?
There are many confusing terms in senior living. Whether it’s overly-glossed names for pricing packages or the jargon surrounding personal care, it’s easy to get lost in the jumble of words. It would be natural to take supportive living as another term for assisted living, but it’s essential for you and your loved ones to understand it is a community type all its own. Learn what supportive living is and why it is such a vital resource for seniors in your Illinois communities.
Supportive Living vs. Assisted Living
While it might look like assisted living – and it might act like assisted living – supportive living is a valuable community resource that sets itself apart. Supported by the State of Illinois, supportive living communities provide personal care, daily socialization, and educational activities in a comfortable, home-like setting. However, in contrast to assisted living, these services are provided in supportive living at a reduced or subsidized cost. Also unlike in assisted living, if a resident becomes unable to pay for the care, they are not required to move from their apartment. These financial safety nets are why supportive living communities are such an asset to seniors, their families, and Illinois communities.
What’s Included in Supportive Living?
Just like other senior living options, services and amenities can vary from community to community. However, per the requirements of the State of Illinois, the minimum services in supportive living communities include:
- Three meals a day
- Housekeeping
- Social, educational, and wellness activities
- Assistance with bathing and dressing
- Medication management
- Scheduled transportation
(Affordable Assisted Living Coalition, 2018)
Residents enjoy private apartment homes (either one or two rooms), and depending on their chosen community may have access to recreational rooms, beauty or barber services, and relaxing outdoor spaces.
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Qualifying for Supportive Living
There are different types of supportive living; including communities that care for persons living with disabilities, others that care exclusively for seniors, and some residences that care for both. Each community will have a set of guidelines for accepting applications to their community including age, financial need, and/or inability to qualify for other state or federal assistance programs. In general, talking to your local supportive living community is the best way to find out their specific qualifications.
What Supportive Living Isn’t
While supportive living can provide many important personal care services and amenities to Illinois seniors, there are other things not covered by the program. First, while services and personal care are covered through Medicaid or other financial assistance, room and board in the communities typically are still paid by the resident. The communities have a limited ability to provide medical care and do not provide skilled nursing care. Residents needing a higher level of care either before entering or during their stay will need to choose another senior care community that can meet their ongoing healthcare needs.
Finding Supportive Living Communities Near You
It’s important to understand that deciding on a supportive living community is just as critical a decision as choosing an assisted living. Not all supportive living communities are created equal. Some may have better additional amenities or more experienced staff. It is up to each resident or family member to do their research and find out which community is the right fit for themselves or their loved one!
The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition has a lot of great resources to help you understand and choose the right supportive living community. Senior Lifestyle is proud to have many affordable senior living options and supportive living communities here in Illinois. Our communities are always ready to answer any questions you have about your ability to qualify and would love to take you on a tour to show you what our affordable communities have to offer!
Understanding all the options available to you in your search for senior living is important; as supportive living communities are just one piece of a complex puzzle. Find out more about other senior living options from Senior Lifestyle.