When choosing between a skilled nursing facility vs. assisted living facility, it all comes down to one thing: the level of care needed. At some point, there may come a time when your aging parent needs more help at home than you are able to give them and there are a variety of long-term care solutions available. Depending on the level of care you need, assisted living or skilled nursing facility care could be the right choice for you and your family, but how do you know which is right?
In this blog, we will delve into the differences and similarities between assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities to help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a flexible living environment that allows residents to equip themselves with support, resources, activities, and equipment to function on their own with daily life and routine assistance when needed. Picture these communities like a retirement community where residents create their own living space and work with a team to create a customized care plan.
Assisted living is not going to be for any resident that needs 24/7, round-the-clock medical care. This option provides an easier transition for families looking to provide more community and support to their aging parent. This is because it is a great option to transition from living on their own to needing a little more care, as it still helps them keep their independence.
What Are Skilled Nursing Facilities?
It’s important to note that when choosing between care and services at a skilled nursing facility vs. assisted living, skilled nursing facilities are for seniors who require 24/7 physical or medical care for things such as chronic illnesses and injuries. These patients need round-the-clock care from a group of skilled medical professionals, which is different from the level of care provided in an assisted living community. It’s also important to note that skilled nursing facility residents are not always permanent residents and can recover from an injury and move back into an assisted living facility.
Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Assisted Living: What Is the Difference?
In general, the difference between care at an assisted living facility and a skilled nursing facility is the amount of care needed. When choosing between a skilled nursing facility vs assisted living community, it comes down to asking yourself what level of care is necessary for them to live safely and comfortably. Assisted living residents might only need assistance with daily tasks, whereas skilled nursing facility residents require a much more immediate and consistent level of care.
For example, if residents are in need of a high level of care when it comes to medication management, mobility assistance, access to doctors, and frequent medical care, a skilled nursing facility would be a great option to look into. Skilled nursing facilities often provide round-the-clock care and service options. However, if residents and their families are just looking for help with daily tasks and an increase in their quality of life as a part of a community, then assisted living might be the right choice.
It’s important to remember that both assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are usually offered in the same community campus to allow for easy transitions and higher quality of life.
The Grace Pointe Assisted Living Experience
At Grace Pointe Senior Care Community, we are committed to helping you make an informed decision when it comes to the long-term and short-term care of you and your family members. Our assisted living community is designed to provide as much autonomy as the resident is capable of. A wide range of services can be customized to you and your family’s needs, such as medication management and shower assistance.
We understand that choosing the right living environment for you and your family can be overwhelming, but we are here to give you the information and support you need. You shouldn’t have to make this difficult decision alone! We are here to help you and your family make the right decision for your situation.
Learn more about our Assisted Living options by clicking here. And explore all of our Care Services and how they can help assist you and your aging parents in the Greeley area today!
