A Clear Distinction: Life Care Services vs. Life Care Centers of America
When searching for senior care options, it is common to encounter two similarly named but distinct organizations: Life Care Services (LCS) and Life Care Centers of America (LCCA). Understanding the difference is crucial for anyone researching facilities, as they are separate entities with different focuses and corporate structures.
- Life Care Services (LCS): This is a management and development company. Founded in 1971, LCS partners with community owners, including not-for-profit organizations, to manage their senior living communities. The company's expertise lies in providing high-quality management, marketing, and development services for a wide range of senior living options. LCS is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Life Care Centers of America (LCCA): This is a privately owned company that directly owns and operates its facilities. LCCA is a major provider of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services, with facilities across numerous states. LCCA's headquarters is in Cleveland, Tennessee.
This article focuses specifically on the number of locations managed by Life Care Services, which, as stated, is a different organization from Life Care Centers of America.
The Numbers: How Many Locations Does Life Care Services Have?
Life Care Services manages more than 130 senior living communities nationwide. This figure can fluctuate as the company's portfolio changes, with new partnerships being formed and some communities leaving the network. The company's business model is based on providing operational excellence and support services to community owners, rather than direct ownership of every location. As a result, the number of locations is a dynamic figure that reflects the company's extensive management agreements across the country.
Understanding the Services and Community Types
LCS's role as a management company means it supports a wide variety of community types, each designed to meet different resident needs. These services are the hallmark of the 'Experience Is Everything®' brand promise.
- Independent Living: For active, older adults who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to social activities and amenities. This may include apartment homes or patio homes.
- Assisted Living: Provides assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and medication management, in a supportive and safe environment.
- Memory Care: Specialized programs and secure environments for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
- Skilled Nursing: Offers 24-hour medical care and supervision for individuals requiring more intensive health services, often for a short-term recovery or long-term needs.
- Life Plan Communities (CCRCs): These communities offer a continuum of care on one campus, allowing residents to transition between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing as their needs change.
A Comparison of Senior Care Management Models
To further clarify the difference between LCS and other operators, here is a comparison table outlining some key distinctions.
| Feature | Life Care Services (LCS) | Life Care Centers of America (LCCA) | Other Senior Living Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Business | Senior living community management and development | Direct owner and operator of skilled nursing facilities | Can vary greatly; some own, some manage, some both |
| Ownership of Property | Typically manages communities owned by other organizations | Owns and operates its own facilities | Can be owners, managers, or a hybrid model |
| Scope of Services | Manages a broad spectrum: independent, assisted, memory care, skilled nursing | Specializes in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care | Diverse; depends on the company's specific business model |
| Headquarters | Des Moines, Iowa | Cleveland, Tennessee | Varies widely by company |
| Resident Experience | Focuses on providing exceptional management and services for partners | Delivers care within its owned facilities | Varies widely based on corporate philosophy |
Finding a Life Care Services Community
If you are interested in finding a community managed by Life Care Services, the best starting point is their official website. The site provides a user-friendly location finder tool where you can search for communities based on your specific criteria.
- Visit the LCS Website: Navigate to the LCS location finder page.
- Use the Search Tool: Enter your desired location, such as a city or zip code.
- Filter Your Results: Refine your search based on the specific type of care you need (e.g., Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care).
- Explore Community Profiles: Click on a community to view more details, including a description of its lifestyle, amenities, and health services offered.
This tool is the most accurate way to get a real-time list of the communities currently managed by Life Care Services and determine the services available at each location. For an official and up-to-date search, you can visit the LCS Location Finder.
Conclusion
Life Care Services plays a significant role in the senior living sector by managing more than 130 communities across the nation. This management-focused business model differentiates it from other providers, like Life Care Centers of America, which primarily own and operate their facilities. For those seeking a retirement community, understanding LCS's function as a management company is key to accurately assessing potential options. By using their online resources, individuals can explore the diverse range of services available across their extensive network, from independent living to comprehensive memory care, ensuring they find a community that best fits their needs and preferences.
