How Assisted Living Differs From Other Senior Living Communities

All of us age differently. In some individuals, the physical decline may be more marked, while others may experience more rapid mental decline. Some may be perfectly healthy but have certain physical limitations, while others may experience various age-related ailments. This is why all senior living communities are not designed to be same.

Every senior living community is designed to meet specific needs. Understanding the differences between assisted living and other senior living communities will help you make a more informed decision about which one is right for your loved one.

Assisted living is for seniors who are relatively independent and can do most tasks by themselves but do require assistance with some tasks. Different residents may require help with different tasks but it is usually in just one or two areas. Some may need help with preparing meals, others with transportation, bathing or medication. They manage everything else by themselves.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Memory Care communities are especially tailored to meet the needs of seniors who have serious memory impairment. They often forget who they are or where they are, very often wandering away from home and not knowing how to get back.

In these facilities, special emphasis is given to the layout and the placements of various structures to make it easier and safer for residents to navigate the premises.

Assisted Living vs Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing communities provide a much higher level of care as compared to assisted living facilities. Residents in these communities cannot handle daily activities independently. This could be due to a short-term disability such as after an injury, surgery or hospitalization, or it could be a long-term age-related disability.

Skilled nurses are on hand 24/7 to provide constant nursing care to residents.

Assisted Living vs Independent Living

Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who lead a relatively active lifestyle but prefer to live in a senior community. Some individuals may choose this option because it is less expensive then living alone in their own home, others choose it for the opportunity to socialize more easily with others in the same age group.

Residents in independent living communities enjoy the benefits of both worlds – they live independently while still getting professional assistance with certain tasks.

Assisted Living vs Nursing Home

Nursing homes are staffed by professionals who are trained and experienced in senior care. These facilities offer their residents a high level of personalized care, that may include everything from getting in and out of bed to personal grooming, bathing, and using the bathroom.

Nursing homes are the best option for individuals who find it difficult to perform even simple everyday tasks and for whom living alone poses a threat to their health and safety.

Assisted Living vs Hospice

Hospice care facilities is essentially end-of-life care. Residents of these facilities typically face life-shortening ailments and require a high level of specialized care. Staff in hospice care facilities are highly trained to provide more than just medical are. They also offer much-needed emotional and spiritual support during this very difficult time.

Assisted Living vs Home Care

Home care is the best option for individuals of any age who are capable of living independently but may require occasional medical assistance such as therapy or shots that can only be provided by a trained professional.

The most suitable home care professional for them depends on the medical assistance they require. In addition to physicians, nurses and physical therapists, home care professionals may also include non-medical professionals who help with other areas of running a home such as shopping, household chores or personal grooming.

All senior living communities are not designed the same. The best option for your senior loved one depends on their unique needs and preferences.