It can be a daunting decision when it is time to move a senior loved one to an assisted living or nursing home. Which is best? Who makes this decision, your family or a doctor? The best way to ease this transition is to understand the options that are available before making any quick decisions.
What are Assisted Living Facilities?
Assisted living facilities are places where trained staff assists their residents with activities of daily life. The majority of residents in these facilities remain active and can handle some daily routines on their own.
Many residents in assisted living facilities do not require constant monitoring or around-the-clock medical care. They can enjoy most of their personal freedom but are assured that assistance is always nearby if they need it. There are constant social programs and activities that help seniors remain active and social.
What are Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes of the 21st Century are not like those from the past. For the most part, they are heavily regulated, and the majority are well operated. In addition, there are some cases when a nursing home is the right choice for some seniors.
It is necessary to understand the social, physical and current health needs of each senior. Once you have talked it over with your doctor, then it can usually be a straightforward choice, but it is still one that your family will have to make.
Nursing homes have licensed nurses and other medical professionals on call 24 hours a day. Seniors in these facilities depend on most tasks, such as personal hygiene, toileting, meals, bathing, and other daily living activities.
Because of most residents’ severe cognitive and health-related situations, more monitoring and medical attention is necessary. There is less personal freedom, because of the physical and mental challenges facing these seniors.
Pros and Cons of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons between assisted living and nursing homes:
Assisted Living Facilities
Pros:
- It’s more like living at home
- Residents have more privacy
- There is a lower average monthly cost than nursing homes
- Some provide veteran’s assistance or other financial assistance
- There is usually an active calendar of social and physical activity events
Cons:
- Most are not regulated by the federal government
- Most do not cover Medicare and Medicaid
- There is usually no extensive medical care in the facilities
Nursing Homes
Pros:
- Federally regulated
- Some facilities may allow private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare to cover the costs
- Licensed nurses and other medical professionals on staff round-the-clock
- Trained and licensed nurses are on location 24/7
Cons:
- Personal freedom and privacy are limited
- Monthly costs are relatively higher than with assisted living
Assisted Living or Nursing Home – Conclusion
Assisted living or nursing home options are the two most common for seniors. It’s sometimes a matter of choice for families. While at other times, nursing homes might be the only feasible alternative.
