Assisted Living Care Versus Nursing Home Care
In modern times, there are many different centers that care for seniors, and because of this, it can be difficult for families to understand their options. This can especially be the case when the family feels they need to make a decision quickly due to rapid changes in the health of their loved one.
One of the most common areas of confusion is assisted living care and how it differs from nursing home care. Questions also arise related to rehab stay and care that is short term. Garnering information regarding both forms of care and the services of each can give you confidence in making a choice that is best for your family member.
Below we will discuss the services offered in both facilities of care. Keep in mind that each community may offer a little less or a little more than what is mentioned. For a more detailed overview of a specific assisted living or nursing home community, we recommend calling Assisting Hands in Humble, TX or directly reaching out to a facility’s manager.
Services of Nursing Homes
- The management and administration of medication
- ADL assistance (activities of daily living and personal care)
- Skilled nursing
- Treatments of a medical nature
- Palliative care
- Memory care neighborhood for those with dementia such as Alzheimer’s (common but not always the case)
Services of Assisted Living
- ADL assistance
- The management and administration of medication
- Memory care neighborhood for those with dementia such as Alzheimer’s (not as commonly found as with nursing home services)
Additional Nursing Services
- Recreational activities (although outings are not as common as with assisted living)
- Snacks and meals
- Laundry/housekeeping
- Supervision that is extensive
- Participation of logged activity for the reference of state and family
Additional Assisted Living Services
- Recreational activities (these are more extensive than at nursing home facilities)
- Transportation that is not medically-related, such as movie and shopping trips
- Snacks and meals
- Laundry/housekeeping
- Supervision that is limited
Nursing Home Living Space
- The choice between a private or shared room
- Shared living room/common space
- An outdoor area that is either limited or nonexistent (Will be supervised if present)
Assisted Living Living Space
- The choice between a private or shared room
- Apartments and studios of various sizes
- One or more shared living room/common space per building
- An outdoor area that is available for free roaming
Costs and Payments for Nursing Homes
For a semi-private room, the average national cost is roughly $6,235 per month. Of course, this cost will vary depending on factors such as location, the level of care that is needed for your loved one, and choice of room. Medicaid generally pays for this, although there are stipulations that apply.
Costs and Payments for Assisted Living
For a one bedroom/single occupancy space, the average national cost is roughly $3,628 per month. This cost may vary depending on factors such as location, the level of care that is needed for your loved one, and choice of room or apartment size. This is usually paid for out of pocket. Financial assistance may be available depending on which state the facility is in as well as other factors tailored to your situation. It’s recommended to ask about move-in specials that may ease the cost of assisted living.
In conclusion, making the best decision for your family member may seem difficult but being armed with the knowledge regarding options can help you to narrow in on the ideal choice for everyone involved.
We hope this story gives you an idea of what you might be dealing with in deciding with your loved one what is right for them. If you have any immediate questions, please feel free to call us or contact Assisting Hands Houston today! Visit our blog for more related articles and more insight.
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