Families are often faced with the difficult task of deciding where they should place their elderly loved ones for their next phase of life. There are situations when the senior can no longer live alone, or caregivers at home can no longer effectively care for their Mom or Dad. There are several options for adult residences, and they each offer different levels of service, healthcare, and support. This article will look at the differences between assisted living residences and nursing homes to help you decide which is better for your loved one.
Definitions of Residence Types
An assisted living facility (ALF) is a residence where seniors (or adults with disabilities) have the option of living independently or semi-independently. There is limited help available if needed with activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living communities often provide personal care services, protect residents with 24-hour emergency response procedures, and offer plentiful engagement and social interaction opportunities. The specific levels of care and services offered vary from residence to residence.
A nursing home is appropriate for seniors who can no longer live independently. The residence offers comprehensive ongoing care to the elderly, disabled, or with other physical or mental conditions that require constant supervision. Nursing homes provide more inclusive personal care services than assisted living facilities with ready access to skilled nursing professionals.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a specialized kind of nursing home that provides services that can only be administered by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Skilled nursing residences are focused primarily on individuals who need short-term medical care or rehabilitative services.
Who Should Consider Assisted Living?
There are some defining characteristics of those who may be best suited to an assisted living facility. First and foremost, they must be open to the idea that they may not be able to live independently any longer or that they are ready to relinquish the daily responsibility of homeownership.
- Assisted living residents are typically open to a more socially engaging environment.
- Residents need limited care or supervision.
- Assisted living residents should be able to walk or use a walker or wheelchair on their own.
- Residents should have no more than mild cognitive issues.
While every eldercare facility strives to provide a comfortable and safe environment for its residents, some characteristics of assisted living residences generally define them. These include private or shared apartment-style units with small kitchens, communal dining rooms, and ample shared recreational space. They also allow residents a lot of freedom to decorate their spaces as they see fit.
Who Should Consider a Nursing Home?
Here are some characteristics of individuals who may be better suited to nursing home care. Unlike those who typically choose assisted living, these individuals do not think they need assistance and may resist a caregiver’s attempts at care. Generally, they require daily medical care and more personal care assistance than assisted living residents, and they may also require more frequent hospital care.
- Nursing home residents generally aren’t able to walk or move about the facility without assistance.
- They have become too frail or ill for home care.
- Nursing home residents require round-the-clock monitoring or supervision.
- They have severe issues with incontinence.
- They exhibit moderate to severe cognitive problems.
- Residents have complex medical, emotional, or mental conditions.
Nursing home accommodations typically offer hospital-style rooms, with less opportunity to decorate or personalize. There are communal dining and living areas but less accommodation for recreation.
Contact us for more information: If you are looking for a new residence for your loved one and aren’t sure which is most appropriate, experts can help. Call for an appointment to discuss your situation, and the professionals on staff can help test your loved one to determine the appropriate level of care.
At A Banyan Residence, we are committed to making sure elderly individuals find the right placement in order to live a safe, happy and fulfilling life. Call our Venice facility to set up a personal tour today.
