Nursing homes have received uneven representation throughout recent history. Just last year in 2023, a study found that 99% of nursing homes in Mississippi didn’t meet new staffing regulations. While that doesn’t mean they couldn’t provide good care, it does shine a light on the difficulties they face.
Inevitably, some people will need to look up a new living situation for their parents and loved ones. However, a long-term care community isn’t your only option.
Here’s what to know about assisted living vs. long-term care, and which is better for your situation.
Assisted Living Benefits
Senior living communities bring many benefits to each resident. Those benefits can vary depending on the resident’s condition.
For many seniors, an assisted living community allows them to enjoy their retirement with some help. Others find that the level of care is superior to what they receive at home.
Promotes Independence and Autonomy
First of all, assisted living is meant to promote each resident’s independence while also helping them with daily tasks.
For example, a resident might struggle with certain tasks such as cleaning or standing for long periods of time. An assisted living community can provide both cleaning and cooking services. These services free up time for the resident to pursue other hobbies or tasks.
Personalized Care
Every resident in an assisted living community receives a personalized level of care. Some residents have problems organizing their medications, so they’ll get help with that. Others may need more assistance with mobility-related tasks.
When a resident moves in, staff will assess their limitations and needs. Many of these communities also provide memory-care services for those with dementia.
Social Engagement Opportunities
Not every senior individual has opportunities to spend time with friends or family. Many isolate themselves and suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
When they move into senior living communities, they open themselves up to all sorts of activities and programs. Social opportunities can include board game nights, movie nights, book clubs, yoga classes, and more.
In particular, something like a senior fitness or wellness program allows residents to improve their health in a group setting.
Safety and Security
Moving your loved one into a community means more safety and security.
A senior without a caregiver could run into all kinds of problems. They could fall down, take the wrong medications, or fall for some kind of scam.
Even if you or another person acts as their caregiver, it’s still only one person looking after them. Your loved one could wander from your home or get into trouble when you’re at the store.
In an assisted living community, they have 24/7 help with access to professional staff.
Transportation Services
Many senior living communities offer transportation services as a way for residents to visit their doctors or other appointments. These services are especially helpful for residents who no longer own vehicles or can drive.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home
In contrast, a nursing home provides a much more intensive level of care. Long-term care is intended for seniors who require more comprehensive medical care and supervision. Some of these situations include those with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
Services Provided
When seniors move into a long-term care home, they gain access to a higher level of medical care compared to assisted living. Employees include nursing staff that are available on-site around the clock. Various medical services are offered, including wound care, medication administration, and physical therapy.
You can think of a nursing home as more of a community with medical care, as opposed to a living community that provides some medical services.
Costs
The overall costs of long-term care are generally higher than assisted living costs. You have to consider that residents receive much more consistent care from medical professionals in a nursing home.
Luckily, many families can turn to Medicaid or long-term care insurance to help cover these costs. Medicare only covers short-term care following hospitalization. You’ll also want to assess all of your loved one’s investments to see how else you can pay for long-term care.
Level of Independence
Residents who live in a nursing home don’t have a lot of independence when compared to assisted living. These homes are meant for people who require 24/7 medical care and supervision. As a result, there will always be someone nearby to assist them.
If your loved one does not require that level of supervision, then long-term care is not for them.
Medical Support
As previously stated, the biggest difference between assisted living and long-term care is the level of medical support.
People qualify for nursing home care if they are unable to live alone safely in their community. The following four areas are considered when a state determines their level of care needed:
- Physical functional ability
- Health issues
- Cognitive impairment
- Behavioral issues
Choosing Between Assisted Living vs. Long-Term Care
The decision between assisted living and long-term care ultimately comes down to your loved one’s needs and what you can afford.
Nursing homes are more expensive, and not many people can work it into their budget. However, that doesn’t mean a senior can qualify for assisted living.
On the other side, assisted living is more affordable. The problem is that they may not offer the kind of medical supervision your loved one needs at all times.
There’s also the question of what your loved one wants. An assisted living home provides more independence and socialization opportunities. A nursing home has more security and medical care.
Navigate Senior Living Communities
Now that you know more about assisted living vs. long-term care, you can make the right decision for your loved one. Someone who needs more supervision will want to move into a nursing home. An elder who wants their independence with a little help will be happy in an assisted living community.
Summerhouse Bay Cove provides assisted living and memory care services in the Biloxi, MS area. As a resident, you’ll gain access to Biloxi’s Casino Row, 26 miles of beaches, and a bustling downtown area.
Contact us today to learn more and set up a visit.
