Many people don’t realize there are significant differences between assisted living and nursing homes. Understanding these differences can help older people find the right senior care solutions. This post will look at assisted living vs. nursing home care to help you make informed decisions.
Comparing Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home Care
What is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are for people with complex medical issues requiring round-the-clock supervision. Some nursing homes even look like hospital facilities compared to the apartment-like environment of assisted living.
Nursing homes provide specialized care and employ skilled medical professionals like doctors and nurses. The following questions can help you determine whether a nursing home is the right choice for your loved one:
- Is your loved one in need of constant attention and assistance due to health complications?
- Does your loved one have a progressive condition like Parkinson’s?
- Are mobility problems a significant concern for your loved one?
- Does your loved one need frequent monitoring or daily assistance with medical care?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, a nursing home is likely the better fit for your loved one. A nursing home can provide the medical care and attention your loved one needs.
What is Assisted Living?
On the other hand, assisted living focuses on serving independent senior adults who need help with some tasks. It may include help with bathing, dressing, medication management, housekeeping, and more.
The benefit of assisted living is that the goal is to balance independence with assistance. The facility may also offer various activities to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life for residents. That can include social experiences, exercise, learning, and more.
The following questions can help you determine if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one:
- Does your loved one need help with activities of daily living (ADLs)?
- Is your loved one having trouble with things like housekeeping and food preparation?
- Would your loved one benefit from living in a community with other seniors?
If you answer yes to these questions, assisted living might be a good choice for your loved one. The facility will provide the services they need while allowing them to maintain optimal independence.
Learning about the differences between nursing homes and assisted living will help you make long-term care choices for your family. Beyond learning about these differences, you may also want to consult your loved one’s doctor or other senior care experts.
At Scott Law Offices, we are dedicated advocates for seniors and their families. We can also help guide clients through legal issues surrounding long-term care planning. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help.
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