Several weeks ago, a dear family friend of mine suffered a devastating stroke. For a few days, his family members didn’t know if he would survive this event. Thankfully, he did. Now, he is undergoing the slow recovery process in a nursing home. Since his stroke, his family has been amazing. They visit him daily at the nursing facility. They have even decorated his room in an effort to make him feel like he is at home. If your loved one has recently been admitted to a nursing home, don’t despair. You may be able to help your loved one adjust to this living situation better by being supportive. On this blog, you will discover the ways to make your loved one’s transition to a nursing home easier.
A Home Away from Home
The Differences Between A Skilled Nursing Facility And Assisted Living
Johnny Rodriguez
Skilled nursing homes provide the most intense level of care for individuals who need it. Whether you are in need of rehabilitative care, or you are a long-term resident in a nursing home, a skilled nursing facility gives you care around-the-clock no matter what type of help you need. In an assisted living facility, the level of care you receive is much lower. You get supportive care, but you aren't going to get the hands-on care that is needed by residents in a nursing home. Assisted living is designed for people who are mostly independent, looking to live among peers in a social environment. Once care needs go beyond assisted living capabilities, a skilled nursing home is necessary.
The Care in Assisted Living
As a resident in an assisted living facility, you can get your laundry done for you, and meals are prepared three times a day. While you have a small space within your apartment to cook, you won't have a full kitchen that allows you to cook elaborate meals. You may be able to use the kitchen area in your residence during open periods if you want to cook for yourself. You can set up to have medication reminders, and staff will check on you several times a day to make sure you are safe.
Skilled Nursing Facilities and Your Care
The differences between the care you receive in a skilled nursing facility and assisted living are substantial. In a skilled nursing facility, any care that you need is provided. There are often restrictions to the level of care any worker can provide to you in assisted living unless there is an emergency. Once you are no longer able to care for your basic needs on your own, you may need to move to a higher level of care to keep you safe.
When you don't want to live alone anymore, and you are looking for an environment that will give you the support you need to continue to live an independent life, assisted living makes this possible. Once your care needs are consistent, and you aren't safe taking care of your own personal needs, a skilled nursing home is probably necessary. It can be difficult to determine which level of care is right for you, but an assisted living facility is the place to start to see what kind of care is available.
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