There often comes a point when an older person can no longer live on their own and family members don’t believe they can adequately care for them. When this happens, the seemingly obvious solution is to place them in a “home”. Many people think that a nursing home and an assisted living community in Florida is pretty much the same thing. However, this isn’t the case. If you need to find a care solution for your elderly loved one, you need to understand the options.
Differences Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living or senior living communities are for individuals who are generally independent but need some help with everyday living. On the other hand, nursing homes are for older adults who need full-time medical supervision because they have mental or physical conditions that prevent them from caring for themselves.
The major differences between an assisted living community in Florida and a nursing home can range from the medical services provided and the setup of the facility. In a nursing home, residents typically have health problems that require assistance from a nurse or therapist. Some are so ill that they need respiratory care. In contrast, residents in assisted living may have memory or mobility problems and only need help with medication management or moving around the facility.
Because of the vastly different needs of residents, the physical plants differ considerably. As you may expect, nursing homes tend to look more institutional although some have amenities for more active residents. In contrast, assisted living communities look more like high-end apartment communities. While nursing home residents often have to share rooms, those is assisted living facilities usually have their own suites.
Differences aside, both facilities are aimed at ensuring residents feel safe, secure, and healthy. No matter where your loved one lives, they should have healthy, balanced meals and snacks that take their individual dietary needs into consideration. They should also have access to activities that enrich them mentally, physically and emotionally.
Deciding What’s Best for Your Loved One
Now that you know the difference between these living options, you may be trying to decide which one is best for your parent or relative. Assisted living is a good option for older adults who:
- Are in good health now but will need assistance soon
- Need help with bathing and dressing
- Don’t need around-the-clock medical care but need minor nursing help or medication management
- Want to live independently but don’t want to deal with managing a home
- Want easy access to social activities
Nursing homes are best for elderly people who:
- Can’t feed themselves
- Have chronic illnesses that require constant care
- Have progressive conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Suffer from an injury and need extensive rehab
- Need more interaction and assistance than a home health aide can provide
Find Out if Assisted Living is Right for Your Senior Loved One
It can be hard to determine the type of care an elderly person needs. If you’re not sure what’s best, contact our Boynton Beach assisted living facility and we’ll happily answer your questions.
