Does My Mom Need Assisted Living Or Nursing Home?
If you are trying to choose the best living situation for your aging mom, let’s take a look at the differences between assisted living and nursing homes below.
What To Know About 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 For Mom
Below are a few of the many benefits associated with assisted living communities.
Lower Stress Levels
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.
Social Life
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
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 A Nursing Home?
Today, the majority of nursing homes are modern, supportive environments for the elderly requiring continuous medical care and attention. Residents will have access to registered nurses, doctors, and therapists in order to address any illnesses or rehabilitation needs.
Typically, the residents of nursing homes are individuals with significant medical or mobility issues. They will need help in almost every aspect of their daily lives and routines. When recovering from surgery or attempting to manage several complex health conditions, skilled nursing care may be required.
When Is It Time For Assisted Living?
Here are just a few common signs that it may be time to consider assisted living care for your loved one.
Chronic Health Issues
Unfortunately, chronic health problems will only worsen with age. Additionally, the immune system can weaken, meaning illnesses will last longer at this point. If your loved one is experiencing any sort of chronic issues, then now is the time to consider a transition into assisted living care.
Aggressive Behavior
Individuals suffering from dementia will become more and more agressive as the disease progresses. This is not a reflection in any way of how the individual is being cared for, it’s simply an effect of dementia.
Caring for someone who exhibits aggressive behavior can be overwhelming. Verbal and physical abuse are clear indicators that 24/7 care is needed. Dealing with an aggressive individual is a task best left to the trained professionals.
Recent Falls/Injuries
The frequent occurrence of falls in and around the home is an indicator that alternative care is necessary. Mobility issues are all-too-common for seniors, and there are many problem areas in most homes. If your loved one takes a nasty spill and can’t get to the phone to call for help, it could have disastrous consequences.
Difficulty With Daily Tasks
For some seniors even the easiest of tasks can be difficult to accomplish. When typical housework like cooking and cleaning becomes too complicated, it may be time to consider assisted living.
Most assisted living communities can take care of a residents’ daily needs. Meal plans, along with laundry services and routine cleanings will help rid the burden of tougher daily activities.
Forgetting To Take Medicine
This is one of the most important areas to monitor if you are concerned about a loved one’s health and safety. Forgetting once in awhile is okay, but if this becomes a pattern, it’s very worrisome. A medicine regiment is crucial to keep health conditions under control. Try looking into some systems for daily reminders. If the system(s) fails, though, assisted living care is the best option.
Conclusion
Assisted living communities are great for older adults for the several benefits listed above. However, if your mom is in need of intensive, ongoing medical attention, then a nursing home is the best fit.
Nursing homes can be the right choices whenever someone requires 24/7 medical supervision or extensive medical support.
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) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.