EDUCATION

Senior Living 101

We’ve put together brief overviews of each type of senior living option available including Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory and Dementia Care, and Home Care.

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Nursing Home vs Assisted Living

What's the difference?

Assisted living communities promote and nurture independence for individuals with various capabilities. In contrast, nursing homes serve those with intricate and highly intensive health requirements. Often, these needs encompass conditions like dementia or significant mobility limitations, making independence unattainable.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide personalized care in a residential setting for those seniors whose health requires a higher level of attention than would be received at an Independent living community. Seniors can expect to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, activities, and social engagement.

Assisted living communities typically include:

Medication management
Bathroom, dressing, and grooming assistance
Housekeeping
Meals
Laundry
Transportation services
Social programs and activities
Staff available 24/7

Independent Living

Independent living communities are for those over age 55, who require a living solution, but want to retain their sense of independence. Seniors can come and go as they please and enjoy access to facilities like kitchenettes in their apartments. Residents typically do not require medical care access 24/7, but would like the option of someone who can help close by.

Independent living communities typically include:

Freedom to come and go
Larger living spaces
Transportation services
Social programs and activities
In-home care available

Many older adults find that they’re actually more active and social when they move to an independent living community, helping them feel healthier, happier, and less isolated.

Memory Care and Dementia Care

Memory care facilities are designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff members are specially trained to deal with the unique issues that often arise as a result of dementia or Alzheimer's. Memory care facility employees check in with senior residents more frequently and provide extra structure and support to help them navigate their day.

Because people with dementia are prone to wander (6 in 10 do so, according to the Alzheimer’s Association), memory care facilities have alarmed doors, elevators that require a code, and enclosed outdoor spaces to keep residents on site.

Memory and dementia care living typically includes:

Medication management
Bathroom, dressing, and grooming assistance
Housekeeping
Meals
Laundry
Transportation services
Activities are designed to improve cognitive function and engage residents at different stages of the disease
Tracking bracelets that give residents the freedom to explore but still allow staff to monitor their location
Staff available 24/7

In-Home Care

In-home care is non-medical caregiving and assistance provided in your loved one’s home. Care may include companionship and assistance with daily living such as bathing, transferring, meal preparation, transportation, and more. It does not include medical or nursing care or therapies. Depending on your loved one’s needs, they may receive assistance from a home care aide anywhere from one hour a week to 24-hours a day.

In-home care typically includes:

Companionship
Bathroom, dressing, and grooming assistance
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Transportation

How We Help

Our team has helped over 2,000 families find the best senior living community in Michigan to meet their family's needs.

Michigan Senior Living Placement Assistance

Assisted & Independent Living
Dementia & Memory Care
Long & Short Term Care
Home Care
Respite & Skilled Nursing

A home for mom, not just a place.

Our mission is to help you find a senior living community for your loved one, allowing them to live their best life possible, and be treated as we hope to be treated ourselves.

You'll be supported by the most committed, qualified, and connected team in Michigan.

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For your loved one

A home, not a place.
Better quality of life.
Mental and physical stimulation.
Community.
Safety.
Care.

For you

Relief and peace of mind.
Education and confidence.
Healthier relationship.

The MSLC Difference

Michigan Family Company

Ben and Jon Bowerman

Brothers and Founders

After struggling through the process of care for our own family members, we believed in making a better way. Born and raised in Michigan, we want you and your families to have the experience we wish we would have had.

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Behind-the-scenes Community Insider Information for the Best Senior Living Options

To provide the best Michigan senior living options, we independently evaluate each community to make sure we’re only recommending quality homes and to help you make the best choice.

Financial Advocates

We negotiate rent, payment plans, and always know the current community specials best for your financial picture.

Mental Health Focused Method

MSLC's senior living consultation process was designed by our PhD of Psychology on staff, we prioritize the emotional process as much as anything else.

Experience with Complex Situations

Having helped over 2,000 families, we can confidently help navigate your situation.

Referral Network

From movers, estate planners, to therapists and more, we’ve got a trusted resource for every part of your family’s journey.

Onboarding

We want to make sure your loved one feels comfortable and confident to participate in all their new senior living community home has to offer.

Our Process

Listening to
Your Situation

It’s normal to feel guilty, frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, and even alone. We’ll listen and gain understanding so we can begin to tailor specific to your needs.