Many seniors or their grown children are starting to think that it is time for the older adult to give up their home and move to a home that is cared for more efficiently and where people are around often if help is needed. Yet, many are confused about the differences between senior living, assisted living, and nursing homes. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in a senior’s last years.
Senior Living
Some seniors choose to rent or buy into a senior living facility. These properties can include mobile homes, apartments, or single-family homes. Most have an active social program where residents interact regularly. While some will occasionally check on the seniors, residents of senior living facilities experience a high-level of independence. In most, if the senior needs help with daily living activities, then they must contract for these services on their own. Senior Living facilities typically demand a lower amount of rent than comparable nearby housing, which makes them desirable and cost-efficient choices for rent. Senior living communities do not typically offer custodial services.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities usually help with a senior’s laundry, may provide meals, and check on the seniors regularly. Most provide oversight to help seniors take their medicine correctly. Assisted living facilities also offer housekeeping services. Most assisted living facilities have an ongoing social program, and they help seniors get where they need to go, such as to the doctor, beauty shop, or worship services. One of the reasons that many seniors choose to live in assisted living facilities is that they look and feel like upscale apartment communities while still having built-in safety features to help keep seniors secure. Unless they are are married, most seniors live in their own apartments. Assisted living facilities typically offer custodial services to ensure a clean environment for those unable to effectively clean by themselves.
Nursing Homes
The most significant difference between seniors who require nursing home care and those who choose to live in an assisted living facility, or a senior living facility is the level of medical care needed. Many seniors end up in a nursing home because they need help to care for themselves around the clock. Yet, this need for care can lead to nursing home injuries if the nursing home is not carefully chosen. Most have complex medical needs that need monitoring regularly, while others have lost their ability to remember. Most nursing home residents share their rooms with another individual. Nursing homes are for those who need a high degree of care, which sometimes can leave them vulnerable to mistreatment.
You can view these three choices as a continuum of care. First, the senior decides to move into senior housing. When they need a little more help taking care of themselves and their homes, they move to an assisted living facility. Then, as their medical needs become more substantial, they move to a nursing home.
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