Ensuring that our loved ones are well looked after when they get older is important to all of us. When it comes to finding the right place to call home, there are multiple options to consider. The best one depends on your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Assisted living and nursing homes are 2 choices that can benefit your loved ones as they transition into this new phase of life. But what exactly is the difference between them?
Assisted living communities help seniors perform activities of daily living, or ADLs in a safe, comfortable environment. In comparison, nursing homes provide round-the-clock, long-term care to people dealing with severe medical issues.
What Is Assisted Living?
As its name implies, assisted living communities are designed to help seniors perform daily tasks while reinforcing their independence. Some examples of the services that assisted living team members help with include:
- Getting in and out of bed
- Dressing
- Bathing/showering
- Using the toilet
- Using stairs
That said, assisted living is suitable for seniors who do not require full-time medical care. These communities also encourage socialization amongst residents and many offer different activities and events for seniors to participate in and maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Who Is Assisted Living Right For?
If you’re not sure if assisted living is right for your loved one, consider these factors:
- Their mobility
- Their diet
- Their cognition
- The level of medical care they need
Every community is different, so it’s best to inquire with the specific community you’re interested in for more information.
What Is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes help seniors who need 24-hour medical assistance and supervision. Resident safety is strongly emphasized, and trained medical personnel, including nurses and licensed therapists, are available at all times.
Nursing homes are equipped to provide a variety of services to residents, such as:
- Prescriptions
- Dialysis
- Transportation to and from appointments
- Speech, physical, or occupational therapy
- Palliative care
Who Are Nursing Homes For?
A nursing home may be right for an older adult with physical conditions that require round-the-clock care or cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
A memory care community is another option that can serve the purpose of a nursing home. Memory care communities are uniquely tailored to each resident and focus on helping them live well and feel comfortable in their environment. Seniors’ mental and physical health and their social lives are all equally prioritized.
It’s important to speak with your loved one’s doctor prior to applying to a nursing home. They can provide reliable insight on your loved one’s health and let you know if this is the type of accommodation for them.
Choosing the Best Option
Both assisted living communities and nursing homes can be beneficial for seniors; they are secure and comfortable, and offer various amenities to enhance the quality of life of their residents. But they are not the same. So, how do you know which is best?
Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones:
- Consider What’s Important. Sit down with your loved one and write out a list of things that are most important when making a decision. This can include food services, social activities offered, visiting hours, living arrangements, and outings.
- Ask Questions. Asking questions is how we learn. Talk to your loved one’s doctor, other family members, or friends about their preferences and experiences.
- Do Your Research. Next to word-of-mouth, the internet is a great way to gather information. Read views, and explore the websites of the communities that you and your loved one are most interested in.
- Know the Costs. Cost will always be an important factor when making decisions. It’s essential to know what the costs of each community is and how it impacts your own finances. Nursing homes are typically more expensive due to the high degree of care that’s provided.
- Go Visit. Scheduling an in-person visit is one of the best things you can do to help your loved one feel at ease. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have questions or concerns, be it about the staff, their services, or sense of community. Take notes about the atmosphere, staff demeanor, cleanliness, and accessibility.
Being prepared will help you and your loved one have a smooth transition into senior living.
Your Loved One Deserve the Very Best
Life is full of new chapters, and helping your loved one start one of their own on the right note is important. At Inspired Living at Ocoee, we are passionate about our residents’ well-being and helping them embrace their unique potential. A positive environment, open communication, and mutual trust are just some of the pillars that we abide by every day to provide your loved one with the care and support they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living accommodations.
