Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?
If you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, it can be difficult to understand the difference between Assisted Living communities and Nursing Homes. This is even more true if your only experience with senior living was decades ago. This blog post will compare the differences between these two options and show you how to choose the one that’s right for you or your family member.
What Is Assisted Living?
The purpose of an Assisted Living community is to help older adults maximize their independence for as long as possible to get more out of life. To do this, a community’s well-trained care team provides help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, grooming, mobility, medication reminders and getting dressed and tasks like cooking and housekeeping. There is also scheduled transportation for group outings, shopping and doctor appointments. Assisted Living residents have their own apartment homes that they can decorate, and they’re free to enjoy all the services and amenities the community offers. Some examples include:
- 24/7 on-site staffing
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Restaurant-style dining
- Innovative and adaptive programming
- Creative arts studio
- Community center
- Theater
- Fitness center
- Volunteer opportunities and programs
- Outdoor terrace
- Walking paths and gardens
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
What Is a Nursing Home?
A Nursing Home is usually designed for older adults who need help with most ADLs and have chronic medical conditions that require 24/7 supervision. There are also short-term residents who need rehabilitation or are recovering after a major surgery/illness. Nursing Homes offer the same help with ADLs as Assisted Living communities, but have additional services that may Include:
- Palliative care
- Mobility assistance
- Nutritional services
- Speech, occupational, physical, respiratory and occupational therapy
How Do I Know Which Option Is Best?
Assisted Living communities are typically designed for active, social older adults in good health who want to maintain a sense of independence. If you or your parents can answer “yes” to the following questions, Assisted Living might be the best care option:
- Do you require minor assistance, but not full-time medical care?
- Do you need a little daily help with dressing and bathing?
- Would not having to maintain your home help you?
- Would you like friends and social activities within walking distance?
If your loved one can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, then it may be time to consider a Nursing Home:
Has a professional medical assessment been completed recently?
- Do your loved one’s needs exceed what a family caregiver can reasonably deliver?
- Do you need temporary nursing care?
- Does your loved need around the clock nursing care?
Benefits of Assisted Living
If you or your loved one is intent on living life in much the way you always have, there are six advantages to choosing an Assisted Living community that you might not find living at home:
- More peace of mind: Knowing your mom or dad has the support they need available 24/7 can bring peace of mind to them and you. It can also reduce the risk of falls and ensure any health emergency is dealt with quickly.
- Increased focus on health and wellness: Assisted Living communities usually have fitness programs and education classes focused on health and wellness. Plus, their delicious dining options can meet your parent’s dietary needs.
- More freedom: An Assisted Living community can help increase your feelings of independence by removing daily household chores and removing the need to ask your children and family for help. The right community offers only the support you want and need while respecting your privacy and desire to live life your way.
- Increased social opportunities: Feeling isolated can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. Living in a community of like-minded seniors makes it easier to meet people and make new friends.
- A more active mind: Regular connection with your neighbors and engaging community activities can help you stay sharper and happier. Plus, exercising your mind can help delay age-related mental declines and may even help prevent dementia.
- Caregiver support: While being the primary caregiver for an older adult can be rewarding, it can also be stressful, overwhelming and severely limit your other relationships. The right community can not only support your family member but help you restore a sense of balance to your life.
Learn More About Your Assisted Living Options
At Artis Senior Living, our approach to Assisted Living and Memory Care is built around relationships and positive partnerships to help your loved ones enjoy a more fulfilling life. To learn more about our Assisted Living community in Chicago, contact us here. Or for more information about other care options, contact us here.
