As you explore senior living options, many considerations will surface. You’re looking for a place to call your own, surrounded by others who you will hopefully go on to develop deep and meaningful relationships with, in an environment that is both relaxing and invigorating.
Today, senior living options are no longer the stereotypical institutions of the past. They offer a variety of living programs so that you can find one that suits your needs and once. The senior living communities of today are vibrant communities, where exceptional service is made available by friendly teams.
Assisted living and nursing homes are two of the most common types of senior living programs offered today. While both of these programs may seem similar on the surface, they are actually quite different. We discuss the difference between assisted living vs nursing homes here.
Assisted Living Communities
A more modern option in the world of senior living, assisted living communities provide residents with gentle assistance when it comes to daily activities. The residences offered are comfortable and homely, and often come in the form of private apartment homes. Assisted living communities encourage independence in their residents, with apartments including kitchens and laundry areas, although they do also provide a wealth of amenities such as dining and housekeeping. Resident interaction is highly encouraged in assisted living communities, which also provide a range of activities and amenities that residents can enjoy.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are more suitable for those who may have conditions that require care that is more advanced than what assisted living communities can provide. Ideally, nursing homes provide round-the-clock care for their residents. Many also offer advanced resources and medical care that are on par with what you may find in a hospital, just in a less sterile and more welcoming environment. A stay at a nursing home can be either short- or long-term. Some residents choose to stay only for the duration it takes to recover from surgery, or to go through rehabilitation after an injury. Others may be coping with long-term illness or degenerative diseases.
Choosing Between Both
Below, we list some questions that you can consider if you are deciding between an assisted living community or a nursing home.
- What kind of care do you or your loved one require?
- What is the preference of you or your loved one when it comes to the type of residency and level of care offered? Would you or your loved one prefer a more independent lifestyle, or is a more advanced type of care necessary?
- Would a more independent lifestyle be safe for you or your loved one?
- Are you or your loved one able to carry out a daily routine with some assistance, or is more intensive assistance required?
- What does your, or your loved one’s doctor, think about both options?
- What is the goal of care in you or your loved one’s situation? Will it be for the short-term only, or would you or your loved one prefer to live with their peers in a more residential setting?
- Do you, or your loved one, have a degenerative disease that may require more care in the future?
