These days, there are tons of unique and supportive senior living options you can try. Figuring out which one is right for you can be difficult, especially if your health situation is a little more complicated than it used to be. Assisted living vs. skilled nursing: which option will give you what you need?
Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing
If you’re young and able-bodied, taking care of your health feels pretty simple. You go to the doctor when you’re sick, take medications as prescribed, and otherwise go about your life. However, as we get older, the question of health becomes more and more complicated. Over 80 percent of seniors have a chronic health condition, and over half of those people have two or more conditions they’re trying to manage at once. Add health issues to the hustle and bustle of managing your daily life, and getting a little help starts to look pretty appealing.
Knowing you need assistance is one thing, but knowing what kind of assistance you might need is a different story entirely. Every person is different, and the best senior living options vary widely based on your individual situation. When it comes to assisted living vs. skilled nursing, there’s a lot you should know before you make the call.
What Is Assisted Living?
We all know the old stereotypes of “nursing homes” as bland, depressing institutions. It’s time to leave that idea in the past where it belongs. These days, a good assisted living community helps you do just that: live!
When a senior moves into an assisted living community, they do so knowing their everyday needs will be consistently met by a trained and experienced staff. That isn’t to say you won’t have privacy or get to choose how you spend your time. You’ll still have an apartment of your own, and be able to maintain your own schedule. It does mean that your meals and everyday chores like laundry will be taken care of for you, and that staff members are available 24 hours a day to assist with things like daily care and medication management. Assisted living communities take care of the basics for you so that you can truly enjoy your retirement.
You may think that if you have health issues, you should seek a skilled nursing living situation. However, you may find the support you need in assisted living instead. Individuals in assisted living have individualized care plans that include doctor’s visits, medication management, and assistive therapy as needed. If you have a chronic health condition that means you’d benefit from some help around the house but are otherwise independent, assisted living could be a perfect fit.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
While assisted living is a great opportunity for some, others will find themselves in need of a little more support. There are some health conditions that require more intensive monitoring and care, like stroke recovery. In that case, a senior might benefit from joining a skilled nursing community.
When a senior joins a skilled nursing community, they gain the peace of mind one gets knowing that whatever happens with their health, they will be in good hands. That’s because skilled nursing is structured to provide the health care you need while also allowing you to enjoy an assisted living experience. In skilled nursing, experienced professionals are available to you around the clock to assist with your health needs. Occupational therapy and other services are provided as well. Residents get individualized treatment plans focused on rehabilitation, improving and maintaining health, and (if needed) long-term care.
Skilled nursing can be a short-term or long-term living option, depending on what is best for you. If you have a few conditions that are becoming challenging to manage on your own, skilled nursing could provide the help you need. Skilled nursing is also a great option for short-term situations like surgery recovery. You’ll get the help you need and be back on your feet before you know it!
_____
Assisted living vs. skilled nursing: which is right for you? If you still aren’t sure, don’t worry. You don’t have to decide alone. Talk to your friends and family, and if you need some expert advice, just give us a call.
Is living an active, healthy lifestyle important to you? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or give us a call at 864-713-1377.