Hi there, my name is Patrice. Welcome to my site. I am excited to share my knowledge about assisted living communities with you all today. When my mother reached her elder years, I was unable to provide her with the level of care she needed each day. I wanted her to receive the best of care without feeling like we abandoned her. I set her up in an assisted living community and visited on a regular basis. I want to use this site to talk about all of the benefits of utilizing assisted living facilities for your parents and other loved ones.
As family members age, their loved ones are sometimes required to make or help make the difficult decisions about caring for them. Sometimes a family member will opt to take them into their home, or they may be able to manage quite well staying in their home with periodic home care visits. But if those solutions are not options for your situation, it's necessary to choose what type of care is best for your loved one — senior community, assisted living, or nursing home. Here is some general information that may help you make the right choice.
Senior, Assisted, Nursing. What's the Difference?
As you or a family member reach the age where you need to think about senior living facilities, there are a lot of options and a lot of questions. First, what is the difference between these types of facilities and the care they deliver or don't?
Senior community.
This type of facility or neighborhood, often called an over-55 community, is for active older adults who are able to live fully on their own and have no significant health issues or problems that require regular medical attention. It can be an apartment complex, usually with 1- or 2-bedroom units, or a housing community for older adults and usually a central office, activity center, and perhaps amenities such as tennis courts, exercise equipment, gardens, or outside eating areas. There are often scheduled activities and optional services such as hair salons, transportation, lawn care, or other maintenance services. However, no personal services or medical assistance are provided.
Assisted living.
An assisted living facility is a building that provides independent living but with added personal services such as showering, grooming, housecleaning, and some health services such as helping with medications or therapy treatment. Meals will be provided in the resident's rooms or a communal dining area. Residents are usually not responsible for utility, housekeeping, or maintenance expenses.
Nursing home.
A nursing home is for seniors who can no longer live independently. Residents require round-the-clock living assistance and nursing care. They typically require a walker or wheelchair and either eat in their rooms or must have transport assistance to dining areas or group activities. The goal for these types of facilities is to provide comfort for patients as they approach the end of life and peace of mind for their loved ones.
What Type of Care Is Appropriate?
The level of care that you or your family member desire or need will help you decide which type of facility to choose. Most people who opt for a senior community will likely make the decision themselves and often because of a desire to simplify their lives while remaining active and engaged. People choosing an assisted living complex will likely make that decision with the help of other family members. The move is usually because the person realizes they need frequent assistance with living tasks but still enjoy an active social life. Of course, a nursing home is usually a difficult choice, often left up to family members, and done for the well-being of their loved one who can no longer live alone.
The cost of each of these solutions will rise according to the amount of care and assistance required so it's important to carefully analyze their needs and consult with their healthcare providers. Typically, private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid will cover a portion of the costs.
Share