When it comes to facilities that care for senior citizens, they come in many shapes and sizes. There is no universal approach when it comes to finding the best possible facility for your aging loved ones. Many people assume that assisted living facilities and nursing homes are the same. However, there is a significant difference between the two types of facilities, and there are several qualities that set them apart.
If you are searching for an ideal senior care facility for your parents or aging loved ones, making the best possible decision is crucial. We will tell you about the difference between the two different types of senior care facilities to help you make a more well-informed decision for your loved ones.
What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
So what are the different senior care types, and which ones fit your loved one’s needs the best? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between assisted living and nursing homes.
Assisted living communities are a specialized option for older adults who enjoy independence for most of their day-to-day routines but require a little bit of assistance. Nursing homes are designed for seniors who require constant medical supervision due to mental or physical conditions that leave them incapable of caring for themselves.
Understanding assisted living
Assisted living facilities are effectively housing communities for seniors who can no longer live alone but want to maintain an active and social lifestyle. For older adults who love their freedom to move around and do not feel comfortable with the idea of moving into an “old person home.”
The best assisted living facilities offer a wide variety of amenities that can appeal to senior citizens, including:
- Gourmet-style meals in restaurant-esque facilities.
- Activities and games based on resident interest.
- Outings and transportation to museums, local stores, and other fun activities.
- Help with all kinds of daily activities.
- Suites with mini-kitchens or larger apartments that allow older adult couples to age together.
Who can benefit from assisted living?
Moving to an assisted living community might be ideal for your parents or aging loved ones if they:
- Require minor medical assistance or nursing care but not full-time medical care.
- Need help with day-to-day activities like bathing, dressing, and other similar activities.
- Desire an active lifestyle but do not have access to transportation.
- Is looking for social activities and friends among people their age.
- Want to pursue several passions like golf, art, and other hobbies in a focused community.
- Is currently in good health but could soon require more help.
Understanding nursing homes
Nursing homes are also called convalescent homes. These facilities have been designed for senior citizens who require 24/7 monitoring and medical assistance from specialized staff.
Traditionally, older adults living in nursing homes suffer from severe physical or mental conditions that leave them incapable of living life independently due to their old age. They might be bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or require expert nursing care. Nursing homes do not admit older citizens unless there is a requirement prescribed by their physician and a medical examination for the senior citizens.
Nursing homes are designed to provide a safe and comfortable place for older adults who cannot care for themselves. Nursing homes may offer:
- Ongoing long-term palliative and preventative care.
- Assistance with every day-to-day activity.
- Prescription medicine management, including injections.
- Specialized services to help residents rehabilitate, including occupational, respiratory, vocational, physical, and speech therapy.
- Emergency medical services.
- Meals that are focused on meeting the unique daily nutritional requirements for each resident.
Who can benefit from nursing home care?
A nursing home may be ideal for your old parents or aging loved ones if they:
- Require constant care due to chronic health conditions or deteriorating health.
- Can no longer even feed themselves without assistance.
- Need someone to care for their every need.
- Have experience debilitating mental or physical injuries.
- Require significant rehabilitation.
- Desire more daily interaction than in-home nursing care can provide.
- Have progressively worsening conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
How to Choose Between Assisted Living Community and Nursing Home?
Making the right choice between an assisted living community and a nursing home is crucial to ensure that your aging loved ones enjoy the best quality of life in their golden years. We recommend educating yourself on the differences between both types of senior care to better understand what each type has to offer.
Consider the condition of your aging loved ones who may require moving to a senior care facility. Additionally, you should discuss the situation with the person in question and get their perspective on both types of facilities. Some older adults fear being abandoned in nursing homes where they might feel depressed, sick, and helpless.
It is crucial to make sure that you ease them into the idea of having to move to a senior care facility. Try to educate them on the differences between both and clear any misconceptions they might have regarding senior care facilities.
Visit the facilities that you are considering for your parents or aging loved ones, discuss the situation with the professionals there, and make a more well-informed decision regarding the move.
Looking for The Ideal Assisted Living Community for Your Parents?
If you are looking for an ideal assisted living community for your parents in California, Royal Garden Board & Care Homes could be the best option for you to consider. We welcome you and your parents to come and visit our assisted living communities to examine all the facilities and amenities your parents can enjoy as a part of our community.
Royal Garden Board & Care Homes is one of Encino, Tarzana, and Valley Glens California’s finest assisted living facilities. Here, your parents will experience the privacy and freedom they deserve while receiving the attention they need. To find out more about our services, contact us today.