When exploring long-term care options for a loved one, 2 common choices are nursing homes and assisted living communities. Both provide important support for older adults, but they differ in the level of care and services they offer.
Whether your loved one needs more help with daily activities or requires around-the-clock medical care, knowing which option suits their physical, emotional, and social needs can help guide you through this important decision-making process.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home provides skilled nursing care and medical services prescribed or supervised by licensed healthcare professionals. These homes are intended for those who are not acutely ill and do not require hospital care but do need continuous care due to illness, disease, or physical or mental infirmity.
Key aspects of nursing homes include:
- Skilled nursing care and related medical services 24 hours per day.
- Residents typically require ongoing medical supervision and support for their daily living activities.
- Nursing homes are intended for people who are convalescing or need long-term care due to their condition.
Nursing homes provide more intensive medical care and supervision than in an assisted living community.
What Is an Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living communities provide a supportive environment where older adults can maintain independence while receiving the care they need. These communities offer assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for those who don’t require intensive medical care but could benefit from some help.
Residents enjoy the freedom to engage in social activities, explore hobbies, and focus on their well-being while receiving the support they need for daily tasks. Regular assessments ensure that care plans align with each resident’s evolving needs.
In addition to personal care assistance, our services include emergency response systems, daily check-ins, and medication management, providing peace of mind and reliable support whenever needed.
How to Choose Between Assisted Living & Nursing Care
Selecting a care facility, whether a nursing home or an assisted living community, can be complex. It’s important to consider both your loved one’s current and future care needs to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
Here are some key considerations.
The Level of Care
Start by evaluating what your loved one needs now and what they may need in the future. This step involves considering their current health condition, mobility, and the support level needed for activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management.
Many communities require a professional evaluation by a healthcare provider. This assessment considers medical needs, cognitive abilities, and other factors affecting your loved one’s ability to live independently. They can also help you understand what type of facility might be most appropriate based on their specific health conditions.
Identify Personal Preferences
What features are most important to your loved one? Do they want a close-knit community, access to social activities, or a particular dining experience? Maybe they want beautiful outdoor spaces, wellness amenities, or a well-stocked library.
Make sure your chosen community aligns with your loved one’s preferences for comfort, convenience, and companionship.
Research Local Options
Talk to friends, family, and healthcare providers in your area. Use available resources, such as the Eldercare Locator or Medicare’s Care Compare tool, to help narrow down options.
You can tour multiple facilities and ask questions about the quality of care, availability of medical professionals, and the atmosphere of the community.
Costs & Payment Options
Costs can be a significant factor when considering a senior living community.
Nursing homes generally have higher costs due to the medical services provided, but they may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. Assisted living still involves various costs, but it may be covered by long-term care insurance.
It’s important to confirm which services are included in the costs and to explore any available financial assistance options.
Bridging the Gap with Respite Care
A short-term stay at a community you’re interested in offers an opportunity to pause and evaluate the best next steps for your loved one. Respite care serves several purposes:
- A break for family caregivers: Respite care allows caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities, helping to prevent burnout and recharge.
- Trial run for senior care communities: It allows residents and their families to see if a community is the right fit before making a long-term commitment.
- Post-surgery or injury recovery: Respite care provides a safe environment for those recovering from surgery or an injury, ensuring they receive the appropriate care while healing.
- Temporary support during a family crisis: Respite care can step in during times of personal emergencies or family transitions, such as when a caregiver is unavailable or needs extra support.
- Enhanced comfort during health episodes: Those experiencing a temporary health issue that requires extra attention can benefit from respite care, ensuring their well-being is managed while family caregivers are unavailable.
A Life So Richly Deserved at The Enclave of Scarborough
No matter your loved one’s needs, we can help you find a home that supports their health and happiness. We offer services tailored to meet individual needs, all within a warm, welcoming community designed to enhance well-being and quality of life.
Connect with us today to schedule a visit, ask any questions, and experience what makes The Enclave of Scarborough the right choice for your family. We’re here to help you make an informed decision and ensure your loved one lives a life so richly deserved.
