If you’ve been considering moving an aging loved one into a long-term care facility, you’re likely looking for information on the best places to go. Choosing the right Meadow Lakes nursing home or assisted living can be challenging, confusing, but knowing what sets these two types of communities apart can help guide your decision-making. Although the two facilities share similar functions, they also have distinct differences that can be difficult to distinguish.
Basic Definition
A nursing home is where patients who need long-term medical care can receive it. Nursing homes are regulated by the state, which means they are inspected regularly to ensure they follow regulations and provide satisfactory patient care. Most nursing homes have a skilled nursing department that assists with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc., but every facility will vary based on size and resources.
Long-term care facilities are distinct from nursing homes in that they don’t necessarily offer on-site medical assistance; instead, patients go to various hospitals or medical clinics for their needs (such as dialysis). However, LTCFs provide 24-hour supervision and other services like housekeeping and maintenance, so there’s always someone present if you need help getting around.
Cost
When it comes to your loved one’s health and well-being, the cost of care is an important consideration. While some people may choose to stay in their homes, others may decide that living with their family isn’t an option. A nursing home might be the best choice for you and your loved one if they have certain medical conditions that require special attention from trained professionals. However, long-term care facilities such as retirement communities offer many of the same benefits as a nursing home but at a lower cost.
Long-term care facilities are often less expensive than nursing homes because they’re not licensed for acute medical needs like surgery or intensive treatment for serious conditions like cancer or heart disease; instead, they focus on providing basic daily support services such as assistance with eating meals or managing incontinence issues (urinary tract infections). These accommodations can make it easier for families who don’t want their loved ones living in institutions but still need specialized assistance taking care of them around the clock—and without breaking through their savings account!
Staffing
Nursing homes must have a registered nurse on staff at all times, while licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants can staff long-term care facilities. The staffing ratio varies from state to state and even between different long-term care facilities within the same city.
Conclusion: Which Is Right For You?
Now that you know the difference between a nursing home and long-term care facility, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. The answer depends on your specific needs. If you need more personal care and assistance with daily tasks like bathing and eating, then a nursing home may be the better option.
If socialization is important to you—or if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease—then a long-term care facility would be a better choice because they are designed to offer residents opportunities for social interaction with other residents in similar stages of life.
You can also consider both types of facilities as options for yourself or your loved ones in different circumstances. For example, if someone needs ongoing medical treatment but does not have any major physical disabilities preventing them from living independently at home without help from others (and doesn’t require extensive supervision), then she might prefer to live in an apartment building rather than move into either type of facility permanently; however if someone has severe mobility issues and needs help getting around safely every day (but doesn’t require any professional medical attention), then he might prefer enrolling at a nearby nursing home.
