If you are considering placing your elderly loved one in a facility that may be able to help them with their daily physical and health needs, you may feel overwhelmed by your choices. One of the most difficult decisions is choosing between an assisted living facility versus a nursing home. The differences discussed below can help you make the best choice for your loved one and your family.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are also known as adult foster care or senior living communities. The main difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home is that a nursing home will provide medical care, while an assisted living facility simply provides personal care. Responsibilities of an assisted living facility will include the preparation and distribution of medications, assistance with daily needs, recreational activities, non-medical transportation, laundry, housekeeping, supervision, and meals.
Additionally, assisted living spaces may include either private or shared apartments that may even have private bathrooms or small kitchenettes. Resident numbers vary from 5-to-500 and personal care is provided to all residents. In fact, even residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may thrive in an assisted living facility if they have a special memory care unit. In most cases, assisted living must be paid out of pocket, but some financial assistance is available.
Nursing Home
Nursing homes are also known as intermediate care nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities. A nursing home provides much more medical care and attention than an assisted living facility. Nurses are on staff and prepared for medical emergencies. Nursing homes are for seniors who need daily medical and physical attention or even need medical treatments. However, nursing homes will also provide recreational activities, meals, laundry and housekeeping.
Most importantly, nursing homes help those seniors who are not mobile without assistance, need daily medical care or treatments, have very severe cognitive impairments or behavioral problems, or are resistant to receiving assistance as they grow older. The rooms may also be either private or shared, however, most nursing homes accommodate approximately 100 residents. These nursing home facilities are most often paid for by Medicaid, but some families must also pay from their own assets first before the coverage will begin.
If you have an elderly loved one who may need frequent hospital stays, needs assistance for mobility issues, has daily medical needs, or has severe cognitive challenges, our Lakewood nursing home will likely be the best way to ensure they receive the care they deserve.
Rocky Mountain Assisted Living
At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we look forward to visiting with you regarding how we can best serve your elderly loved one and your family. To see if we are a good fit for your elderly loved one, contact us at 303-835-9265 or visit us online today.