If it is time to consider finding a different senior living situation for a loved one, you may find yourself asking many questions. Most importantly, what is the best type of residence to move Mom or Dad into – a nursing home, assisted living facility, or memory care center? You need to learn what each type of living situation entails and what the program provides.
Memory care is the most clear decision. If your loved one is experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you will want to look into a qualified memory care center who employs experienced personnel trained in taking care of that type of patient. But if your Mom or Dad is simply looking for a safe and engaging place to live, is a nursing home the best choice? What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility?
The main difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes is in the level of care which is needed. The reasons for the move are important as well – are they in need of basic , daily help? Do they have medical needs which need to be addressed? Are they simply looking for a social environment to meet new people and be able to have friendships?
Assisted Living Facility
An assisted living facility typically has a nursing staff and a medical clinic onsite, but they are not geared for providing daily medical assistance. Instead, the facility usually offers residents a private apartment, with their own bathroom and kitchen. They offer a wide range of services, from laundry and housecleaning, to hairstyling and rides to grocery shopping. Assisted living personnel will check in on the resident and provide the help they need based upon a menu of services. Fees are based upon the level of assistance they need. Assisted living facilities generally provide plenty of social and enrichment opportunities and activities. These types of facilities often allow couples to live together as they would in a normal condo or home, appropriately allow cars, and residents can come and go freely.
If your loved one is looking for a place to be around other people and participate in activities- and they are still able to perform many daily tasks independently, with some minimal assistance – assisted living is a good choice.
Nursing Home
By contrast, nursing homes offer a higher level of medical and physical care. In fact, medical care may often be extensive, and therefore the nursing home may be covered by insurance or medicare. (Assisted living generally is not).
Nursing homes offer less independence and often have shared rooms for residents. Caregivers will provide all of the medical care needed. Residents typically may need assistance with getting in and out of bed, showering, and even eating. Although nursing homes provide opportunities for social interaction, the schedule is not as full, and activities are often less varied than those at assisted living facilities.
Families will very often choose a nursing home when they have been caring for a parent at home, but the medical and physical demands have become too great.
Choosing where a loved one will live when they can no longer live alone can be an emotional decision. If you are at that crossroads in your family, interview several facilities to determine which may best meet the needs of the resident. If your loved one is looking for a caring and active assisted living facility in the Venice area, we recommend that you call A Banyan Residence. We would love to give you a tour and show you how we can make your loved one’s life as happy and fulfilling as they deserve.
