Different Options In Senior Care
As you consider different types of senior living communities, it’s important to become familiar with the different options in care to find what’s best for your aging loved one. By learning about each individual community and what it has to offer, you can determine the best fit for your loved one’s unique needs.
The Palms at Plantation is a resource and a partner for families looking for senior care within Florida’s Gold Coast – we hope this information helps you determine your ideal option.
What is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are a category of residential care for seniors who require 24-hour medical supervision and/or need assistance for most or all of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Generally, this category of residential care for seniors is considered to be one step below hospital acute care. Because residents of nursing home communities typically have high care needs and complex medical conditions, these communities offer medical care by trained medical staff, such as a registered nurse or therapist 24 hours a day. Life-enriching activities are usually included, along with meals for various dietary needs.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is used to describe a type of residential community for seniors providing living quarters, support services and health care designed to help individuals who need support with their everyday routines. These services usually 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. Seniors in assisted living communities generally have a private apartment residence on campus with community spaces for dining and activities.
Comparison:
- Residents of nursing homes typically have high care needs that require 24-hour medical assistance, while seniors in assisted living generally have a higher level of independence yet can benefit from individualized support.
- Because of the high level of medical attention, residents of nursing homes have less privacy than in other types of care and typically share a room, while residents of assisted living have private apartments offering kitchenettes and other features.
- Life-enriching activities are usually provided in both nursing homes and assisted living – though assisted living residents may have a greater variety of options for dining and programming.
- The quality, services and costs of both skilled nursing care and assisted living can vary widely so it’s important for families to research communities and look closely at what is included.
At The Palms, our levels of living are tailored to the needs of our residents – whether in assisted living or memory care, you’ll find a specialized, supportive environment. Contact us to learn more.
