Prairie City Landing FAQs

A: Independent living is a little like college, only better! You can choose to participate in classes and events that help you grow socially, physically, and intellectually. (You can also choose to skip out—with no consequences!) Unlike college, you get to live in a spacious apartment with your own kitchen, washer/dryer, and plenty of storage. And meals at Prairie City Landing are delicious, made-from-scratch, restaurant-quality experiences—nothing like a college cafeteria. Like college, the best part is the people you’ll meet who will become your dear friends, adding to your life in ways you can’t imagine. Learn more about Independent Living in our Guide: Just the Facts about Independent Living.

A: Both independent living and assisted living offer residents the chance to live in a community with people who share their interests and offer friendship and support. Usually, independent living apartments include a full kitchen or kitchenette. In assisted living communities, apartments are typically smaller. At Prairie City Landing, we believe in assisted living as a service, not a place. All of our apartments are licensed, so if you might need support later, we will bring those services to you discreetly to your apartment without the need to move.

Assisted living typically offers support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including dressing, personal hygiene, and taking medications on a prescribed schedule, as well as meals, housekeeping, and transportation services. Additionally, for residents receiving assisted living services, our care partners collaborate and communicate with families and medical providers to ensure continuity of care.

A: An independent living community and an active adult or retirement community are similar in that they are usually age-restricted apartment homes that allow residents to live life on their own terms with similar people. One big difference is that most active adult communities do not have commercial kitchens on-site, so dining services are not available. Most independent living communities have a more robust events or activities schedule, going beyond fitness classes or trivia night. Transportation services might vary between independent living and active adult as well, as most active adult communities assume their residents drive.

A: At Prairie City Landing, assisted living is a service, not a location. All of our apartments are licensed, so if a resident benefits from some support, we’ll deliver it discreetly in your home on your terms. Assisted living services are those things that support a person’s autonomy. These are often referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This includes support with personal hygiene, dressing, and taking medications on a prescribed schedule. You also get access to meals in all our tempting dining locations, as well as housekeeping and transportation services. Our care partners collaborate with you, your family, and your medical providers to ensure a continuity of care and open communication. But the best part? A little support allows you to say yes to those things that intrigue you—whether that’s flower arranging, line dancing, or building models. Learn more about Assisted Living in our Guide: Just the Facts about Assisted Living.

A: Curious, but not ready yet? You’re in the right place! We hear “not yet” all the time. We encourage you to think about what you want your next 10, 20, or 30 years to look like. What do you want to accomplish? What are potential obstacles? What’s most important to you? Have these conversations with loved ones early, long before you make any decisions.

We like to say a move to senior living is right when it expands your world and offers you new opportunities.

And remember that a move to senior living isn’t just about you. It’s a family decision. A move should make an older person’s life bigger and reduce the worry and tension an adult child or caregiver might feel. Check out more information and a few helpful checklists in our Should You Stay or Should You Go Guide.

A: Memory care is a safe, secure building or neighborhood that caters to older adults experiencing cognitive decline. Care partners in Harbor, our memory care, are specially trained to work with people with memory loss, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. Walk into Harbor and enjoy its warm, homelike setting with its own secure courtyard. Do you enjoy golfing? Then you’ll love our putt-putt area! We incorporate all the vibrant aspects of senior living in our Harbor setting, including weekly trips to local spots, fitness classes, and participation in community-wide events. Learn more in our Guide: Just the Facts about Memory Care.

A: Memory care looks a lot like assisted living. You’ll benefit from personalized, compassionate support with the things that might be a challenge, such as taking medications on a regular schedule, personal hygiene, or dressing. In addition, our secure setting is the right environment to feel safe to explore without the sensation of being overwhelmed. Specially structured events and activities keep older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline socially, physically, and intellectually engaged.

A: Skilled nursing is often prescribed after an acute illness or injury. In these settings, patients receive medical attention and often partake in rehabilitation services, usually for a limited time. Skilled nursing is designed to help a person transition back to their regular living situation.
Assisted living and memory care are communities where people live. In assisted living and memory care, residents receive support with what are called Activities of Daily Living (or ADLs). These include help with dressing, personal hygiene, and medication management. Residents also enjoy meals prepared for them, housekeeping services, and transportation services. In addition, our team of care partners collaborates with families and medical teams to ensure continuity of care and support open communication.

A: Determining the right type of care is a conversation with each person, their family members, and their medical providers. Before moving into a senior living community, your doctor will complete an assessment, known as a 602, with you. With this information, familiarity with your daily routines, your plans for the future, and any challenges you might be facing, we will work with you to develop a customized care plan. Our care plan offers just the right support to ensure you get to do what you want, living with autonomy and agency.

A: We’re here to enrich your journey. Independent living is all about choice and freedom with no daily support. (Of course, you’re always welcome to enjoy a meal in the dining room, pop into a fitness class, or take advantage of our transportation services!) Assisted living adds that helping hand with daily tasks or health needs, customized to support your independence. Memory care focuses on residents with cognitive changes, offering specialized support and safe spaces. If you want more details or a side-by-side comparison, our team is happy to discuss all the details with you.