It makes sense that as we become older, we would require increasingly more assistance with daily activities. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to move into a senior living community and which type provides assistance with daily tasks, there are several senior living alternatives in St. Petersburg, FL. Knowing how they vary and which is ideal for your dear one, though, may feel perplexing.
When people say “assisted living community”, a nursing home might come to mind. These two senior living alternatives, however, are not alike. What sets assisted living apart from a nursing home, then? These are both long-term care options, but they have different purposes, degrees of care, living arrangements, and lifestyles. If you were researching options for assisted living vs. nursing home in St. Petersburg, FL, and wondering how they differ and which is the better option, read this helpful guide.
Difference in Objectives
Assisted living is a distinctive blend of accommodation, customized support services, and healthcare services. They are designed to fulfill the requirements of elderly adults who need assistance with everyday tasks, both on a planned basis and an as-needed basis. Residential care is another name for assisted living in some states.
Nursing homes are certified rental properties with fixed daily fees, often known as skilled nursing facilities, in which most residents need round-the-clock nursing and/or clinical care.
Difference in Lifestyles
Assisted living offers personalized care in a home-like environment full of onsite amenities and is intended to enhance a resident’s quality of life while ensuring their freedom. Residents can move around themselves, prepare meals, come and leave as they please, and take part in community events. The usual services include cleaning and laundry services, food preparation, security monitoring, scheduled events, and free transport.
Nursing homes deliver personal and medical care in a much more clinical environment. Although there might be some leisure options, patients are unable to live and move around however they choose. The emphasis is on medical supervision and patient safety and comfort. The standard services include cleaning and laundry services, food preparation, and rehabilitative therapy.
Difference in Degree of Care
Assisted living provides help with everyday tasks including showering, dressing, self-grooming, using the restroom, and reminders for medication. Basic medical and healthcare services are available to residents.
In nursing homes, patients get support with everyday tasks as well. However, they mostly require ongoing, sophisticated medical or palliative treatment, prescription management and administering, and sometimes specialized rehabilitative treatments. Assisted living communities are unable to offer this degree of care.
Difference in Living Residences
Assisted living residents live in one- or two-bedroom private apartments with a small or full kitchen and can use the communal spaces on campus anytime.
Patients in nursing homes live in individual or semi-private rooms. They can use the communal spaces only if their level of mobility permits it.
Difference in Benefits
Assisted living communities are most beneficial for those who:
- Require some nursing support but not 24/7 clinical care
- Require assistance with at least two everyday tasks
- Want a sociable, active, maintenance-free lifestyle
Nursing homes are most beneficial for those who:
- Require 24/7 clinical care because of ongoing medical issues or a deterioration in health
- Have lost the ability to move or care for themselves without assistance
- Need considerable rehabilitative treatment after an accident or major operation
