If you’re exploring senior living options, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many choices available to suit your specific needs and preferences.
The challenge is in navigating those options. Is assisted living the right fit, or would a nursing home better meet your needs?
Studies conducted by A Place for Mom indicate that many people mistakenly use the term “nursing home” to refer to all types of senior living. This confusion can lead individuals to choose the wrong type of facility, sometimes paying for services they don’t need or, conversely, not getting the level of care required, which could impact their health.
To help make this decision easier, it’s important to research the qualifications for assisted living and nursing home facilities, and assess which type of senior living would be best for you.
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
Assisted living is designed for seniors who need some help with daily activities but do not require the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home. This can include assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, mobility, housekeeping, and meal preparation. To determine if assisted living is the right choice, a facility will typically assess the individual’s needs to ensure they can be adequately met. Assisted living is ideal for those who want to maintain their independence while having access to support when needed, all within a community setting.
What Are the Qualifications for Assisted Living?
Typically, assisted living is appropriate for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Need assistance with daily living tasks: Assisted living facilities provide non-medical support such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs), including eating, dressing, bathing, and using the restroom. Additional services may include meal preparation and help with household chores.
- Can move independently: Residents are generally able to walk, or use a cane, walker, or wheelchair independently.
- Able to live in a private apartment: Assisted living is intended for those who do not need constant care, but can live independently in a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
- Stable health: Ideal candidates for assisted living are generally healthy individuals who can manage chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis with minimal assistance, without the need for frequent medical interventions.
Should You Choose Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?
For those who require more extensive or specialized care, a nursing home may be the more suitable choice.
A nursing home is best for individuals who:
- Require skilled nursing care daily: Nursing homes provide continuous, professional medical care and supervision for those with significant health needs.
- Need 24-hour assistance: Assisted living is not appropriate for people who require round-the-clock medical care, such as individuals who need help with feeding tubes, tracheostomies, or daily insulin injections.
- Are bedridden: While assisted living residents are generally able to move, nursing homes are equipped to care for people who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
- Have specialized memory care needs: Individuals with advanced dementia, including those who experience difficulty swallowing or have behavioral issues, often benefit from the higher level of care found in a nursing home.
Have Questions About Assisted Living or Who Qualifies?
If you’re considering assisted living and need more information about qualifications, services, or our admissions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Alpine View Lodge in San Diego, California. We can help you explore the best senior living options available to you or your loved one.