Even though there are various options available for senior care- assisted living, memory care, nursing facility, and more for convenience- it sometimes overwhelms you, especially if you have no prior experience in dealing with such a situation.
Assisted living is ideal for seniors with sound health who need little help with the activities of daily life (ADLs). Unfortunately, if health becomes a concern to the point that our loved ones need round-the-clock care, then shifting to a nursing home becomes the only option.
In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when deciding between assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, allowing individuals to make the best choice for their long-term care needs.
Assisted living vs nursing home
Let’s have a basic understanding of what assisted living and nursing home is before we talk about the difference between the two.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living provides support and assistance for individuals who need help with daily activities such as dressing, feeding, bathing, or taking their medications. Most assisted living facilities offer recreational activities, meals, housekeeping, and laundry services. These facilities provide personal care services and 24-hour staffing to assist residents with their daily activities.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A skilled nursing facility is a long-term care setting that provides medical services to individuals who cannot live independently.
A skilled nursing facility, often referred to as a nursing home, is a residential facility for individuals who require round-the-clock medical care and assistance with daily activities. These facilities offer 24-hour care and supervision, along with a range of medical, rehabilitative, and therapeutic services.
Registered nurses and certified nursing assistants staff the nursing home to which seniors can have 24-hour access to medical assistance. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities offer rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. They can also provide specialized care for seniors with dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a nursing home?
Here are the differences between nursing care and assisted:
Assisted living facilities aim to promote independence while assisting with daily tasks such as medication management, housekeeping, and meal preparation. These communities often have private apartments or rooms for residents, along with social activities and amenities like fitness centers and dining areas. While medical professionals may be available on-site, assisted living typically does not provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care.
On the other hand, nursing homes offer comprehensive medical care and 24-hour assistance from licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. These facilities specialize in caring for individuals with complex health conditions or recovering from surgery or illness. Skilled nursing facilities provide services such as wound care, physical therapy, and specialized care for conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
When to move from assisted living to a nursing home
With age, the need for care and support may increase for our loved ones. Some will live independently well into their later years; others may require additional assistance. Here are the circumstances indicating it’s time to move them to a nursing home.
1. Need care round the clock.
Assisted living may have staff 24 hours a day, but they are limited to the kind of care they can provide, especially medical care.
In contrast, skilled nursing facilities have licensed nurses on staff, trained to oversee residents’ medical care and provide comprehensive assistance.
Additionally, if a senior doesn’t need to be hospitalized but needs medical care, then a nursing home can be of great assistance. Their nursing staff can perform IV therapy, catheter placement and maintenance, blood pressure monitoring, and respiratory therapy, to name a few.
They can also help in feeding seniors with the help of a tube or a pureed or liquid diet in case they are having trouble eating on their own.
2. Complex medical conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can greatly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and require continuous monitoring and management.
The care level is dependent on a senior’s needs and the progression of the condition.
As these conditions progress, individuals may experience cognitive decline, mobility issues, and an increased need for medical care.
If a senior is experiencing cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, then memory care might be a better option. Some nursing homes also have memory care, too.
3. Bedridden or Limited Mobility
Individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility face unique challenges in assisted living facilities. While these facilities are designed to provide support and assistance for daily activities, they may not always be fully equipped to meet the needs of those with severe mobility limitations.
Bedridden individuals require intensive care and assistance with tasks such as toileting, bathing, and repositioning to prevent bedsores. Assisted living facilities may have limitations in providing this level of care due to staffing ratios and the availability of specialized equipment.
In such cases, moving to a nursing home may be necessary. Nursing homes are equipped with resources such as mechanical lifts and specialized beds to ensure the safety and comfort of bedridden residents.
4. Swallowing Issues and Dietary Restrictions
Seniors with swallowing issues and dietary restrictions may not have the specialized supervision and designated dining areas necessary to address these issues effectively in assisted living.
Swallowing issues can make it difficult for seniors to consume food and beverages safely, leading to a higher risk of choking and aspiration. Dietary restrictions, such as those related to allergies or specific medical conditions, require careful monitoring and adherence to ensure the residents receive appropriate nutrition.
Nursing homes have trained staff who understand the complexities of swallowing issues and dietary restrictions. They can provide the necessary support and modifications to ensure residents can eat and drink safely.
Also, they have designated dining areas having appropriate seating, utensils, and utensil modifications, such as thickened liquids or pureed foods, to accommodate individual dietary restrictions.
5. Requiring hospice or palliative care
When seniors in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities require hospice or palliative care, it becomes crucial to understand the concept and differences between these two forms of care.
Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management for individuals who have a life-limiting illness. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life during the final stages of a person’s journey, offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Hospice care typically involves a team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors, who work collaboratively to ensure the patient’s needs are met.
On the other hand, palliative care has a broader scope and focuses on addressing underlying medical conditions and providing comfort and symptom management. It can be utilized at any stage of the illness and is not limited to end-of-life care.
Palliative care improves patients’ overall well-being by addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Nursing homes often provide hospice or palliative care for patients as part of their comprehensive services. These facilities have a team of professionals, including nurses, caregivers, and social workers, who are trained in end-of-life care and are experienced in managing complex medical conditions. They provide 24-hour support, pain management, assistance with daily activities, emotional support, and a comfortable environment for patients requiring hospice or palliative care.
6. Hospital visits are frequent
If your loved ones have to frequently visit the hospital, it can be an indicator that it may be time for a senior to transition from assisted living to a nursing home.
Moving to a nursing home can offer several benefits in such situations. It reduces the need for frequent hospital trips and minimizes the risks associated with transportation and potential complications.
Additionally, nursing homes can offer therapy options, such as physical therapy or wound care, that may be required for seniors recovering from major procedures or dealing with recurrent infections. The constant monitoring and availability of medical professionals in nursing homes ensure that any changes in the senior’s health are addressed promptly.
7. Falling more often
If a senior is experiencing frequent falls, it may indicate a decline in their physical abilities and overall health. Falls can pose a significant risk of injury, especially for older adults.
The consequences of falls can be severe and may include fractures, head injuries, and other complications. Nursing homes have specialized care programs that focus on rehabilitation and fall prevention.
Caregivers in nursing homes are experienced in assisting seniors with mobility issues. They are trained to provide support and assistance with walking, transferring, and other daily activities. This can help reduce the risk of falls and provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors.
8. Help with the cost of living
Assisted living facilities typically require residents to cover the costs themselves, as Medicaid or other financial assistance programs do not cover them.
However, for those needing nursing home care, there are financial assistance programs from the government. Medicaid, for example, provides coverage for certain healthcare services, including long-term care in a nursing home. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but individuals with limited income and assets may qualify for this program to help cover the costs.
Additionally, temporary Medicare benefits may be available for individuals needing skilled nursing care following a hospital stay. This can provide financial relief during the transition from assisted living to nursing home care.
It is important to explore all payment options and financial assistance opportunities when considering a move to a nursing home.
9. Increased Dependence and Need for Two-Person Assistance
Suppose a senior requires assistance from two people to safely perform daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, bathing, or transferring to a wheelchair. In that case, it means an assisted living community is no longer sufficient.
In such cases, a nursing home facility may be more suitable. They have resources and trained personnel to handle the increased dependency on two-person assistance, ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents. Additionally, nursing homes often have specialized care units for individuals with specific medical conditions or memory care needs.
When a senior’s level of dependence reaches the point where two-person assistance is necessary, it is crucial to consider transitioning to a nursing home facility that can provide the comprehensive care and support needed.
10. Inadequate Care and Support in Assisted Living
One of the main limitations of assisted living facilities is their ability to provide the required level and type of care. While they may have staff available to assist with daily activities and offer some medical support, they may not have the resources or expertise to handle more complex medical conditions or specialized care. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with chronic conditions or people with dementia who require specialized care.
Inadequate care and support in assisted living can manifest in several ways. Insufficient staff can lead to delays in responding to emergencies or addressing residents’ needs in a timely manner. The lack of specialized medical professionals, such as nurses or therapists, can limit the facility’s ability to provide necessary medical care or therapies. Additionally, the facility may simply be unable to meet specific medical or personal needs due to its limitations in staffing, equipment, or resources.
Recognizing the signs of inadequate care is crucial. If an individual’s medical condition worsens, if they experience repeated falls or injuries, or if their overall well-being declines despite receiving care, it may be time to consider a move to a nursing home.
Moving from assisted living to a nursing home
If you are moving from assisted living to a nursing home, you should have a doctor’s order confirming that the senior needs nursing home care. You must share any of the signs discussed in the article and get advice if moving to a nursing home is an alternative.
Additionally, you must get medication and treatment orders, a physical examination, state-required forms, vaccines, a tuberculosis test, and admission paperwork.
