Levels of care for assisted living are not one-size-fits-all. Health is not a straight line. Needs shift over time, sometimes gradually and sometimes all at once, and the care that fits one person may look completely different for someone else. At Ridgeview Health Center in San Diego, we understand that every resident is unique. That is why our levels of care are designed to meet each person where they are, with the flexibility to adjust as needs change.
How it works
Ridgeview Health Center is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), meaning different levels of care are available all within the same campus. CCRCs offer independent housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in one location, allowing residents to transition between levels of care as their needs change without having to move to an entirely new community.
Upon admission, the assisted living team at Ridgeview works closely with residents and their families to assess the right level of care. That assessment takes into account daily functioning, medical needs, and personal preferences. And because needs evolve over time, the levels of care at Ridgeview are not fixed. If more support becomes necessary, the care plan can be updated to reflect that.
Basic Level of Care
For seniors who are largely independent but benefit from a little extra support, the basic level of care at Ridgeview is a natural fit. This level includes daily check-ins, housekeeping, transportation, and medication management. With those needs handled, residents are free to focus on what matters most: enjoying the activities, amenities, and friendships that make life at Ridgeview so rewarding.
Intermediate Levels of Care
Some residents may need more support while still maintaining a meaningful degree of independence. Whether that involves mobility challenges or early signs of cognitive change, the intermediate level of care at Ridgeview provides additional hands-on assistance. Services at this level may include:
- Bathing and grooming
- Continence care
- Clothing and dressing assistance
- Eating assistance
- Support for residents with a dementia diagnosis
- Care for residents with other special needs
Advanced Level of Care
Residents receiving advanced care may need help with most or all daily tasks, as well as more frequent health monitoring. Even so, many residents at this level remain active participants in community life, attending events, spending time with neighbors, and engaging in the programs that make Ridgeview feel like home.
Memory Care
Memory care at Ridgeview Health Center is designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of cognitive decline. Residents in memory care live in a secure, purpose-built environment called the Gardens, where they receive around-the-clock supervision from staff who specialize in compassionate care for those with cognitive differences. The Gardens is designed to feel calm, familiar, and safe, because for residents who may sometimes feel confused or vulnerable, the environment itself is part of the care.
Skilled Nursing
For loved ones recovering from orthopedic surgery, a heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness, skilled nursing at Ridgeview provides around-the-clock health monitoring and medical care. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available seven days a week from a professional team. Additional services in skilled nursing include:
- Social worker and case management services
- Registered dietitian consulting
- Psychology and psychiatry consulting
- Wound care, pain management, and IV therapy
- Physician, pharmacy, and lab services
Finding the Right Level of Care Starts with a Conversation
No two residents arrive at Ridgeview with the same story, and no two care plans look exactly alike. What stays consistent is the commitment to knowing each person well enough to get the care right. Whether a loved one needs a little daily support or more comprehensive care around the clock, Ridgeview’s levels of care for assisted living are built to meet that need with warmth and expertise.
If you are exploring care options for a family member and want to learn more about the levels of care at Ridgeview Health Center, we invite you to reach out or schedule a visit. Our team is here to help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are levels of care in assisted living?
Levels of care in assisted living refer to the different degrees of support a senior community provides based on a resident’s individual needs. They typically range from basic assistance with daily tasks to more comprehensive support for those with complex medical or cognitive needs.
How does Ridgeview determine the right level of care for a resident?
Upon admission, Ridgeview’s assisted living team works with the resident and their family to assess daily functioning, medical needs, and personal preferences. That assessment shapes the care plan, which can be adjusted over time as needs change.
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care at Ridgeview?
Assisted living supports seniors who need help with daily tasks while maintaining their independence. Memory care is a specialized level of care designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive decline, offering a secure environment with staff trained specifically in cognitive care.
Can a resident move between levels of care at Ridgeview?
Yes. Because health needs change over time, Ridgeview’s care plans are designed to be flexible. If a resident’s needs increase or decrease, the level of care can be updated accordingly so that support always matches the individual.