The Benefits of a Continuum of Care
Making aging services easy for older adults
The idea of a continuum of care is not new, and it is not limited to medical care, but the practice is seeing increasing use as healthcare providers look for smart new ways to care for older adults. A continuum of care results in better care that has less stress, is more convenient, is more social, is easier on the patient and their families, and allows patients to age in place for as long as possible.
This blog explains what a continuum of care is, the benefits of a continuum of care, and how Knute Nelson may be a solution for you or your loved one’s health needs.
What is a continuum of care?
Continuum of care describes the act of caring for a person throughout multiple stages of their life. In housing, for example, a continuum of care is found when a variety of agencies, advocates, governments, businesses, and service providers all coordinate the care needs of an individual. When set in the context of a person with diabetes, a continuum of care describes how health care providers, dieticians, and family members all work together collaboratively to treat and manage the ailment.
When talking about older adults, a continuum of care model provides individuals with the care they need at each stage of their life, from support with daily tasks while they are living independently to increasingly specialized care as they age.
The transition to a continuum of care for older adults is an important step as it acknowledges that health and long-term well-being are significant factors in a person’s major life decisions – and perhaps are the single most important factors. A continuum of care gives older adults a wide variety of options to age comfortably in their home of choice.
What are the benefits of a continuum of care?
Convenience
Those who choose a continuum of care provider can easily receive additional care or services from a familiar team they can trust. In some situations, individuals can receive different levels of care than a spouse so couples can continue to live together.
You get the care you need when you need it
With so many services available in a continuum of care, you can find comfort knowing that another level of care is available should a health situation arise.
Individuals can age in place
With a true continuum of care provider, whether you need specialized services or personal care, there is a wide variety of services customized to your specific needs wherever you call home.
Types of care for older adults
The continuum of care for older adults consists of a wide range of care levels and services. Those include:
Community-based services: Through this type of care, community members are able to take preventative actions toward their health as they age through services such as population health, community wellness centers, and outpatient therapy options.
Residential living: In senior housing, a resident moves into a community that takes care of home maintenance and often coordinates socialization and wellness opportunities. Personalized care such as help with activities of daily living, house cleaning, and grocery shopping may be available in these settings in addition to skilled care needs such as nursing and therapy.
Support at home: Home health care and in-home technology can enable older adults to remain at home with supportive services like chronic illness management, skilled nursing, in-home physical, occupational, or speech therapy, personal care and companionship, and more.
Memory care: Memory care serves residents who display signs of dementia or other forms of memory loss. Dignity and choice are of utmost importance alongside personal care and comfort.
Rehabilitation care: Recovering from an illness or injury often requires skilled nursing care and physical, occupational and/or speech therapy services. When you need help getting back on your feet, a short-term rehabilitation center and/or home health care can provide you the support you need.
End-of-life care: Hospice care can provide excellent support and comfort to you and your loved ones during life’s final stages. Support services can include therapeutic music, massage therapy, spiritual care, and more to keep you comfortable through your final stages.
Trust Knute Nelson for compassionate care for aging adults
As a trusted and experienced aging services provider, Knute Nelson provides a full continuum of care and living options.
Our services include:
- Wellness and outpatient therapy
- Home health care
- Senior living
- Assisted living
- Enhanced assisted living
- Memory care
- Long-term care
- Short-term rehab
- Hospice care
- Population health
- And more
Knute Nelson’s many living and care options feature personalized services to fit your specific needs, and make you most comfortable wherever you call home.
Ready to learn more? Take our free virtual assessment or speak with one of our experts at (320) 421-0242.
Last updated October 24th, 2023
