Assisted living is a type of housing for seniors that offers personal assistance and monitoring. Residents live independently with services that are available when they need them. Assisted living is sometimes confused with other senior living options—such as nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, and home care services—that provide similar services. But assisted living has its own special combination of housing, services, and monitoring. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between assisted living and other senior living options so you can choose what’s best for your situation.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a type of senior housing that provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as housekeeping, bathing, and medication management. Assisted living communities also offer common areas for seniors to socialize, as well as access to 24-hour medical care. Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who can no longer live independently but do not require the level of care provided by a nursing home. Assisted living provides residents with the ability to receive assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming, while still providing a high level of independence. These communities also offer social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged and active.

Nursing Homes

A nursing home, sometimes called a skilled nursing facility or a nursing care center, is a type of residence for people who need constant medical care and/or skilled nursing care. Nursing homes provide 24-hour care services and personal care assistance for their residents.

What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

The main difference between assisted living and a nursing home is that assisted living facilities are more like apartments, while nursing homes offer more medical care. Nursing homes also have a higher staff-to-patient ratio, which means that there are more nurses and aides available to help residents with their needs throughout the day and night. This may include dialysis, wound management, and pain management. The staff at a nursing home are trained to provide medical and personal care services to residents that meet their specific needs. They also have experience working with patients who have a wide range of medical conditions. The staff at a nursing home is also familiar with the residents’ family members and how to best communicate with them regarding their loved one’s needs and care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

A CCRC, or continuing care retirement community, is a type of senior living arrangement that offers residents a range of housing and care options, usually on one campus. These communities typically include apartments for independent living, as well as assisted living, skilled nursing care, and long-term care facilities. This allows residents to age in place, without having to move if their needs change. CCRCs usually require an upfront entrance fee, as well as monthly fees.

Memory Care

Memory care is a type of senior living that specializes in caring for people with dementia. Memory care communities are typically secure, which means that residents can’t leave the property without supervision. This is important for those with cognitive impairments. Some memory care communities offer physical security features such as locked doors and gates. Others may have staff members who monitor the property 24 hours a day. Many memory care communities also offer social and recreational activities designed to stimulate residents’ minds and help them stay engaged. These activities can include arts and crafts, music therapy, and group outings. Memory care communities often have special programming and activities designed to help residents maintain their cognitive abilities and socialize with others.

Independent Living

Independent living is a term used to describe housing designed for older adults who are able to live independently, without the need for assistance from family, friends, or paid caregivers. The concept of independent living has evolved over time, and today there are a variety of housing options available for older adults. Find out more about your choices. Independent living residences are much more than just places to live; they’re communities of people who share interests and common life experiences. In addition to offering the amenities and services that enable residents to live independently, many communities also offer social, educational, cultural and recreational activities that help residents stay active and engaged in their lives. Independent living residents have the advantage of having all their needs taken care of so they can focus on enjoying their retirement years. At Gardens Care, we work hard to provide you with the right level of support so that you can stay as independent as possible. Whether you need little assistance or full-time coverage, we have the resources to help you enjoy your later years. Call us at 303-566-1085 to discuss your care needs so that we can help you find the right level of care.