Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Home Care - When Is it Time?

Sometimes people use the terms assisted living and nursing home interchangeably when in fact they are very different levels of care. Knowing the difference between these two facilities will help you understand if and when it is time to place your loved one.

Assisted Living—What Does This Mean

Quite simply assisted living means just what it says. These facilities assist your loved one with daily activities. At some point, it is typical for an elder to need help doing the things they used to be able to do. Assisted living steps in when that person is no longer able to manage on their own. For each person, the right time for assisted living will be different. Here are a few things to watch for as your family member ages.

• Cleanliness—Clothes, home, yard. Just because Uncle Joe’s grass is long, it doesn’t mean he’s ready for assisted living but maybe he does need someone to move. However, if it is more than just the grass pay close attention. If Joe is still wearing the same clothes he was three days ago and is starting to have body odor then that is a bigger sign that he is struggling to bathe himself and keep up with the laundry.
• Food and Weight—If Aunt Millie looks thin and her clothes seem to be two sizes too big, but she says she’s eating check the refrigerator. If there is little food, or a lot of spoilage, then perhaps Millie is having problems with shopping and/or preparing meals. But, if the fridge is stocked and the food is fresh, it may be time to consult a doctor. There are many medical conditions common to the elderly that could be causing weight loss.

An assisted living facility would assume these duties for Joe and Millie as long as they are otherwise healthy and not suffering from any medical condition requiring substantial nursing services. Of course, this is just a fraction of the services they would provide. Other services include medication management and mobility assistance as well as physical, social, and emotional interaction. Assisted living facilities usually do not provide much beyond basic medical care, however.

Nursing Home—How Is It Different

A nursing home provides the next level of care most seniors need. If Joe or Millie cannot move under their own power, most assisted living facilities would not be the right choice because they do not have the staff for frequent transfers and/or mechanical lifts.

The next major deciding factor for nursing home care over assisted living is the level of nursing services required. Even daily insulin injections are enough to bar someone from an assisted living community. Some states do allow assisted living facilities to offer what is known as ‘limited nursing services’ so it is always a good idea to inquire about the maximum level of care offered at the different types of facilities.

Memory Care—Special Considerations

If your loved one is suffering from any stage of memory impairment, typically a nursing home with a memory care unit is preferred. The patient can stay in the nursing home portion until such time as they need more advanced memory care.

At Ashford Utah we offer assisted living and have a separate memory care unit. We are here to help you decide which type of care your loved one needs. We want to be of service to you and your family.