Assisted Living Vs Skilled Nursing
Many people may be wondering what the differences are between skilled nursing and assisted living. Let’s take a closer look at these senior care levels below.
What Is Assisted Living?
Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.
There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.
These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.
Assisted Living Benefits
Below are a few of the many benefits associated with assisted living communities.
Lower Stress Levels For Your Loved One
Assisted living helps lover stress levels in your loved one and improves the quality of life for all involved. Seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the care and help they require while the loved ones families no longer have concerns about fulfilling their loved one’s needs. One benefit to assisted living surroundings is that they permit seniors who may have physical issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a moderately independent way of life. The facility will usually have on-site medical care, but it will not be there 24/7. An assisted living facility will offer a care level that is suitable for seniors who do not need full-time care, but may require assistance with their meds, eating or food preparation, and other day to day activities.
Contentment And Your Loved Ones Protection
Members of the family will no longer will be concerned about their loved one getting used, falling down, getting lost because of wandering, not eating a healthy diet or taking the incorrect medication. The living facility will take every means they have to ensure your loved ones are continually safe and protected.
The Social Life Of Your Loved One
It’s not that surprising for seniors to start to become lonely as they get up in age. Loneliness in seniors may lead to a lot of complications, ranging from poor health or bouts of depression, problems being active and more. In the assisted living facility, the residents belong to a part of a supportive, loving, and caring community. Your loved one will surrounded by seniors their own age and have numerous opportunities to socialize and take joy in the company of other seniors.
Increased Activity For Your Loved One
It’s very important that we stay active as we age. Assisted living seniors are offered a bunch of indoor activities as well as outdoor activities from strolling in the courtyard, to gardening, or picnics. Some assisted living communities will offer their residents transportation, so they can go on excursions, go to the corner market or visit the doctor’s office.
Healthier Diet
Greatly cooked meals and nutrition are essential for today’s seniors. Award-winning chefs make appetizing meals that also fulfills your loved ones dietary needs and individual preferences of each of their seniors.
Assistance In Day-to-Day Duties
It’s very essential for seniors to have their independence, but also have the assistance they need. Assisted living communities provide their residents with help, only when needed, with daily living undertakings, such as dressing, preparing meals and eating or laundry duties.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing facilities come with 24/7 nursing care for individuals who require specialized medical care or daily therapy sessions. While sometimes temporary, a skilled nursing community can be compared to a long-term stay at the hospital.
Skilled nursing care will often be provided for short-term stays that follow hospitalizations, surgery, injury, or other health-related issues. During temporary stays, the care will be focused on providing rehabilitative services to help individuals return to their previously independent lifestyles.
For some individuals, a skilled nursing community can become their long-term home. These residents will receive the necessary assistance and medical care they need. This medically-intensive care will be provided by professionally licensed individuals. Typically, residents have complex medical situations with many needs like respiratory therapy or wound care.
Differences Between Assisted Living And Skilled Nursing
Memory care or assisted living communities can feature specialized care for people suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Patients living at these facilities will have structured activities throughout the day to keep them on a routine, which often lessens stress levels. These activities will focus on cognitive stimulation, targeting memory difficulties.
When it is no longer possible for an individual to live at home safely, it’s important to consider the differences between these living situations. Here is a quick look at some comparisons between assisted living and skilled nursing arrangements:
| Assisted Living Communities | Skilled Nursing Communities |
| Living accommodations can be compared to apartments, being either private or semiprivate. | Living accommodations more closely resemble a hospital-like situation. |
| Housekeeping services are typically included at no extra cost. | Housekeeping and laundry services will be provided in these communities. |
| Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party. | Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party. |
| Medical personnel will either be on-site or on call. | Physicians are on-site or on call 24/7. |
| Three meals are served per day or can be prepared by a resident in their own apartment. | Three meals are served per day in a communal dining area. |
| A schedule of daily activities will be provided. | Less strenuous activities are provided daily. |
| Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and errands are provided. | Typically, transportation is provided to and from doctor’s appointments. |
| Private pay is generally responsible for the majority of costs. Medicare and Medicaid may be covered. | Medical services will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most long-term insurance policies. |
Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona
We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at 623-323-1796 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.