If you have a senior living independently now but about whose safety and wellbeing in the future you are worried about, you should be planning out what needs to be done in terms of selecting between assisted living facilities and nursing homes. While the decision can be pretty tough, the knowledge that the senior will be cared for well in an environment that is relevant and appropriate for his needs can make the process rewarding. Being a loved one, you would want to give him all the autonomy that he is accustomed to, but your decision should be based on safety and care. When you become aware of the first signs that the senior person may need some alternate living option, you should actively start reading up and find out which option is the ideal one between assisted living and nursing home.
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Assisted Living Explained
Facilities for assisted living first came into existence in the early years of the twentieth century as a consequence of a backlash against the nursing institutions of the time. Ever since, assisted living facilities have been the preference of elders seeking a life of dignity and relative independence in an atmosphere that is more like home than a hospital. Typically, assisted living facility living quarters comprise small private apartments or even rooms that can be decorated with the own furnishings of the residents. The staff is sensitized to respect the privacy of the residents to the extent possible and encourage them to be as independent and autonomous as their health and physical condition will safely permit. While the living quarters are independent, certain services and facilities are shared, such as meals, laundry, and light housekeeping.
Most elderly residents of assisted living facilities receive assistance from their custodians for routine activities like toileting, bathing, dressing and eating. There is always staff available to help the residents with daily tasks. According to Vanae Flake, a veteran in the assisted living sector, the industry standard of caregiver to resident is 1.8. Typically, seniors tend to adjust and do better in assisted living facility when they enter the community at a relatively younger age or when they are physically fitter. This enables them to adjust to the surroundings better and live there till their demise. All care interventions are provided in the facility except for serious medical problems or injuries entailing specialized and continuous medical care.
Nursing Homes Explained
Nursing homes are equipped to deliver medical attention round-the-clock to its residents, unlike assisted living facilities that lack medical care facilities. Skilled nursing facilities are more suited to those seniors who require a greater degree of assistance with daily living activities, suffer from severe medical problems or cognitive impairment. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services say that a large number of American skilled nursing facilities are registered to admit residents covered by Medicare or Medicaid. This is important to the senior as well as his family members because the costs associated with nursing homes are far higher than that incurred in assisted living facilities. Government programs are able to subsidize the nursing home care costs because of the accent on medical care. The delivery of appropriate medication, physical and occupational therapy, nutritious meals as well as other amenities make nursing homes a good choice for residents.
The Better Choice
Rather than deciding which one is better, considering just the strength of the facilities alone, it is better to relate what the facility can offer to the requirement of the resident. The ultimate decision depends on what level of care the senior requires currently and the projection for the future.
Author bio: Melissa Smith is the head of an assisted living facility that is well-known for its superior level of care. Melissa has had over five years of experience as the chief of operations of an assisted living facility owned by Vanae Flake, one of the most well-known names in the sector.