Choosing the right type of senior care for yourself or an aging loved one can be a difficult task due to the many options available. Among the best-known types of residential senior care are assisted living centers and nursing homes. Understanding the basic differences between them and whether they fulfill one’s requirements can help the decision-making process.
An assisted living facility allows one to live rather independently and offers special housing and day-to-day support services for its residents. Onsite staff members provide assistance with bathing, grooming, housekeeping and other daily living. Residents are given meals and have the option to participate in scheduled activities. Very basic health care, such as medication management, may also be offered.
A nursing home is also known as a skilled nursing facility. Seniors in nursing homes receive assistance with day-to-day activities. They are also monitored and cared for by around-the-clock nursing staff. Nursing home residents often have disabilities or chronic medical conditions that require full-time medical care.
Family members dealing with minor age-related issues and who wish to maintain their independence might find that an assisted living community is a good fit. However, elderly individuals who require daily medical support may prefer a nursing home.
Of course, there are many other issues to think about when choosing a living situation for an elderly loved one. Besides varying levels of medical services offered to residents, there are also differences in how seniors and families can pay for their care and the cost of living in such facilities. To learn more about long-term care planning, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP.