Nursing Home -vs- Assisted Living
Deciding between nursing home care and assisted living care for a loved one who requires residential care is a difficult choice many families must make. Families typically have limited experience with either sort of care and aren’t informed enough to make a decision without thorough research.
Assisted living communities are similar to nursing homes, as they provide personal care, light housekeeping, and laundry, however, the most significant differences are the payment options each offer for services provided.
Communities have dining halls where residents can eat and socialize. Dining schedules vary with some communities offering 3 meals a day and some offering all day dining. Oftentimes, specialized meals are prepared for residents with medical conditions like diabetes. Both nursing homes and assisted living communities include safety features such as emergency pull cords.
Care staff are there to support residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both residential settings. During the day, other staff members from the dining hall, housekeeping, maintenance, and other team members are available to assist residents.
Whether you are looking into an assisted living community or a nursing home, Senior Living Communities Near you can help you make an informed decision.
A nursing home is similar to an assisted living community, offering similar care to assisted living communities. While assisted living communities mostly offer assistance with daily tasks, nursing homes offer more intensive clinical care. These are designed for seniors who require assistance and monitoring 24/7, but do not require hospitalization.
After seniors undergo surgery or operational procedures, many seniors need extra care and transition into a nursing home. These communities offer 24-hour care and support for residents who require constant monitoring and assistance.
Each resident’s care is overseen by a licensed physician or nurse and some communities even offer specialized care onsite. In addition, these communities also provide short-term care for adults so they can rehabilitate and return home.
Those who require many visits to the hospital may want to be in a nursing home rather than assisted living so they do not have to continually relocate.
Overall, assisted living communities and nursing homes are designed to feel more like home, but nursing homes provide more clinical support for residents. These are are both a requirement in the senior living continuum, and you or your loved one may benefit from a brief stay in the a nursing home to recover from a surgical procedure before returning home.
Cost is one of the most differentiating factors between assisted living and nursing homes. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of a single bed room in a nursing home was around $7,698 per month, which was more than double the cost of a one-bedroom assisted living apartment at $3,628 per month in 2016.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all community for residential care. Take the time to assess your options, tour the communities, and ask questions. Your loved one deserves the best, so make informed decisions that will benefit you and your family. If you have questions, Senior Living Communities Near You can help answer your questions and provide you with a community that fits your needs and your loved ones needs.
Nursing Home -vs- Assisted Living Comparison
We understand the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home is often overwhelming, however necessary. When it comes to the care necessary for those who can no longer safely care for themselves, Senior Living Communities Near You is here to assist with the resources you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
