Assisted living near Greenacres, FL, and nursing homes are two types of senior living communities that offer different amenities, services, and levels of care. They both serve as a place for the elderly or disabled to receive round-the-clock assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. However, there are major differences between these two options that can help you decide which is better for your loved one.
Assisted Living Communities Have Age Requirements
You may think that assisted living is the perfect option for your loved one, but if you don’t meet the age requirements for assisted living, it might not be.
Assisted living communities generally require residents to be at least 55 years old. This means that if your parent or spouse is younger than 55, they won’t qualify for this type of care.
Most nursing homes also have age requirements. They typically accept people who are at least 65 and older, though some do accept younger adults with special needs. However, if you are looking for nursing home care for someone who doesn’t meet these criteria, there are other options available—like hospice care—that may provide better relief from symptoms associated with aging without requiring a long-term commitment or moving into an institution.
Assisted Living Communities Have A Small Team Of Caregivers
The care team in assisted living communities is smaller than that in nursing homes. Because the population is smaller, there are fewer aides, receptionists, and administrative staff to take care of everyone. The good news is that the individuals who work in assisted living usually have more specialized roles than their counterparts in a nursing home. For example, an activity director may only have one or two residents assigned to her at any given time (depending on how much time they need), while a recreation director will be responsible for many activities throughout the day.
In a nursing home, more employees are on hand because there is more work to be done—more residents require round-the-clock care from various medical professionals and nurses’ aides who specialize in different areas, such as medication administration or wound care. Because there are so many other people working together on your loved one’s case all day long (or night), it’s easy for communication between departments or shifts within each department to break down or become disorganized and inefficient.
Nursing Homes Do Not Offer An Apartment Setting
Nursing homes are single-occupancy rooms, so they’re not apartment-style living. The good news is nursing homes provide a high level of care and offer 24/7 care for your loved one.
In assisted living communities, residents can choose from one of several different types of rooms—some come with their bathroom, while others have shared bathrooms. Assisted living communities also offer apartments with up to four bedrooms (with no shared spaces). These units are similar to studio apartments in an apartment complex.
Conclusion
As you can see, assisted living and nursing homes have a lot of differences. The most significant difference is that nursing homes are for patients of all ages, while assisted living communities have age requirements. That being said, the best home for your loved one will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re unsure which option is right for your loved one, talk with their doctor or family members who have experience with these types of communities before making any decisions.