Does your loved one struggle with everyday tasks like dressing themselves, bathing, and managing their medications? Do they still maintain some independence and mobility? The decision process for selecting a care facility demands an assessment of physical condition in addition to cognitive ability and personal preferences of the individual.
The assisted living facilities provide daily help to their residents, while nursing homes deliver ongoing medical care to people who need medical supervision. But the question is when to choose between assisted living and nursing homes for your loved ones.
Let’s walk you through the essentials of assisted living vs nursing homes to help families and caregivers select the right care option.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities provide seniors with long-term care services to support independent living and deliver assistance for daily activities. Residents of assisted living facilities receive help with daily activities in a way that preserves their ability to make independent choices. The assisted living facilities offer multiple benefits that improve the quality of life for residents who need assistance but not round-the-clock medical care.
Here is when you should choose Assisted Living facilities for your loved ones:
- When elders can easily manage daily tasks independently but need help with personal care, housekeeping, or medication reminders.
- Elders want to get themselves engaged in a social and community-oriented environment.
- Your loved ones want to or are capable of performing most of the daily living activities with minimum assistance.
Understanding Nursing Homes
A reliable and reputable nursing home delivers advanced medical care and constant supervision to help senior patients requiring round-the-clock nursing assistance. Nursing home care centers serve elderly individuals who need constant medical observation because of their health problems or disabilities. They require help with managing complex medical conditions and taking their medications on a regular basis.
Here are the services for senior patients provided by nursing homes:
- 24/7 medical supervision from trained medical staff available around the clock to monitor vital signs and manage complex health conditions.
- Rehabilitation services like physical therapy to improve the mobility and daily functioning of the elders.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Intensive medical care for seniors.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home: Key Difference
|
Feature |
Assisted Living |
Nursing Home |
| Level of Care | Help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and medication management. | 24/7 medical care and supervision, including skilled nursing care. |
| Independence | Residents have their own living spaces. | Residents typically need full assistance. |
| Medical Care | Limited medical care. | Extensive medical care. |
| Staffing | Caregivers with limited medical training. | Licensed nurses and doctors who offer comprehensive medical care. |
| Living Environment | Private apartments or rooms with common areas. | Shared or individual rooms in a hospital environment. |
| Cost | Less expensive. | More expensive. |
| Duration of Stay | For individuals who need help with daily tasks but not full-time medical care. | For individuals with significant medical needs or long-term health issues. |
| Social Activities | Commonly Held. | Limited social activities. |
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home: How to Make the Right Choice?
People face significant difficulties when deciding between assisted living vs nursing home facilities. The decision requires thoughtful consideration of healthcare requirements along with personal preferences and desired independence level. The selection process requires attention to these key considerations:
Evaluate Care Needs: Assess your senior’s care needs if they require medical supervision or help with only daily activities. A senior with initial dementia stages may occasionally need help, and assisted living might be the best option. On the other hand, an individual with advanced dementia care may require 24/7 supervision, and a nursing home should be the best choice.
Consider Preferences: Assess if your loved one enjoys participating in community events such as book clubs or fitness classes or requires constant medical care. Assisted living might be the best option for elders needing a more independent lifestyle with engagements in community events. However, seniors recovering from a stroke may prefer a nursing home for medical supervision.
Consult Professionals to Determine the Best Fit: Consult physicians or healthcare professionals to evaluate your senior’s medical conditions and functional abilities to get insights into the best care options for the elderly. The professionals may recommend a nursing home if the elders have complex medical needs and require constant monitoring. However, seniors with normal conditions who only require help with basic activities may find assisted living a good option.
Visit Facilities to Review Care Options and Environment: Visit assisted living communities near you or nursing homes to check if they are well maintained, proper levels of care available, have social activities and opportunities, staff interactions, and more. It will help you observe the type of care your loved one may get in the facilities.
Conclusion
Finally, the kind of care – assisted living vs nursing home is determined by the extent of care your loved ones require and their choice. Assisted living is for individuals who need daily care but are still able to move around and are not completely dependent. On the other hand, nursing homes are for those individuals who need a more adaptable setting and round-the-clock care.
Make a decision with respect to comprehensive health evaluation for your loved one regarding care, support requirements, and an environment conducive to maximizing well-being, comfort, and dignity.
Contact the Oakdale Heights Assisted Living community to give your loved ones a loving comfort care experience!
