There comes a point in time where the support from family, friends and local community programs may not be enough to care for oneself, especially as age becomes a large factor in health complications. Often, elderly people require some type of long-term care; weather it be more hands on, in a nursing home or less hands on, in an assisted living or a residential care facility. Prioritizing your healthcare as you age is important to your overall well-being and quality of life.
Residential Care Facilities
Residential care facilities, also called group homes or board and care homes, are small private facilities that usually have around 20 or fewer residents. Rooms at these facilities may be private or shared. These residents receive personal care and daily meals. Staff is typically available around the clock. Residential care facilities lack the capabilities of a nursing staff or specific medical care providers.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are a happy medium between residential care facilities and nursing homes; meant for elderly people who may need help with their daily care. The size of assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to up to 120 residents, or more. Residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas.
Typically there are different levels of care that are offered to residents of an assisted living facility. You can select your level of care based off of the help that you require in your daily routine. Services that are often provided for residents of assisted living facilities would be 24 hour staffing, social services, housekeeping and laundry, recreation and meals, help with daily activities, medication management and transportation.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, which are also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a large range of healthcare and personal services to their residents. The services provided are usually focused on the residents medical care, much more then assisted living facilities typically provide. Some of the extensive services that are provided include: 24 hour supervision and rehabilitation services (Physical, Occupational or Speech) in addition to meals and assistance with daily activities.
Nursing homes can also be utilized when a patient has been released from the hospital but still needs assistance for their recovery. Once recovered, after typically a month or two, temporary residents transition back into their personal homes. The majority of residents in nursing homes are permanent residents, who need constant care and supervision due to ongoing mental and physical conditions.
Decide What's Best for You or Your Loved Ones
Overall, senior living facilities provide peace of mind for both caregivers, loved ones and their residents. There are clear benefits of utilizing long term care, which include better physical and mental health, promoting a healthier and happier well-being for residents, in addition to easing the minds of those who care for them. If you, or a loved one, struggle with daily activities that affect your health and well being, consider looking into a long term care provider.
More Information About Facility-Based Long Term Care: