How To Know Your Options In Senior Care.
The Crossings at North River is proud to help families in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas navigate their options when it comes to senior care. If you’re considering assisted living communities and/or nursing home options, take a closer look at each below.
About Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide residential care for seniors along with around-the-clock skilled care for individuals who generally need help with most or all of the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Usually considered as one step below hospital acute care, nursing homes offer medical care by trained health care staff, such as a registered nurse or therapist, 24 hours a day, along with meals for various dietary needs.
Advantages
- Provides a place for individuals whose health care needs cannot be met by family members or in other types of senior living communities.
- Typically includes life-enriching activities, giving residents more daily socialization and amenities when compared to at-home care.
Disadvantages
- May offer less privacy than other types of senior care, as residents typically have shared rooms.
- The quality of skilled nursing care can vary widely – make sure to get personal recommendations and check the facilities’ state ratings.
About Assisted Living?
Assisted living is used to describe a type of residential senior living community that provides living quarters, support services and health care designed to help individuals who need assistance with their everyday routines. These services typically include a combination of meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication management and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility as needed. Residents in assisted living communities generally have their own apartment with access to community spaces for activities and dining.
Advantages
- Gives seniors an increased level of privacy and independence with private apartments and choices for their daily schedule.
- Provides personalized support for ADLs so residents can more easily participate in programs and dining options.
Disadvantages
- Leaving their home and adjusting to a new one can be difficult for some seniors.
- Cost, quality of care and services provided can widely vary — be sure to do your research.
Overall, the main difference between the two is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a more clinical setting while assisted living allows personalized care in a more home-like setting with additional social and emotional benefits.
Finding the right option that meets your loved one’s needs is an important part of keeping them healthy, engaged and fulfilled. At The Crossings at North River, our three levels of living provide options that are tailored to the needs of our residents – whether in independent living, assisted living or memory care.