It used to be when people could no longer live by themselves or with family they went to “the old folks’ home.”

Today there are more options for the elderly.

Those considering facility life for themselves or a loved one need to know the terms for these options.

“Independent living” or “retirement communities” are generally for those who can afford to live in a maintenance-free environment.

These places often include meals in a restaurant atmosphere.

They offer amenities like state-of-the-art exercise rooms and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Some of these are more akin to resort living than a care facility!

But some of these communities allow for independent residents to move to higher levels of care within their system as warranted.

An example of this in our area would be Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina or Wellmore of Lexington.

“Assisted living centers” are care facilities for people who cannot live totally independent, needing help with daily tasks.

Carolina Gardens and Morningside are good examples of this.

“Nursing homes” are for people who must have 24/7 care for food, medications, and supervision.

But nursing homes may or may not have “skilled nursing” care.

Skilled nursing means there is at least one registered nurse or doctor always available.

Most skilled nursing centers also offer physical and occupational therapy.

Some facilities are intended primarily for post-hospitalization rehabilitation.

Lexington Extended Care or National Health Care are examples of this.

But these facilities can also become long-term care even though the resident may have come in as a rehab patient.

Certainly, most people would prefer to live out their lives in their own homes.

But the realities of life may dictate otherwise.

The answer to finding peace when it comes to making these kinds of decisions can be found in scripture.

Philippians 4:11-13 says, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”