Two of the most common choices for anyone considering long term options for the elderly are nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Both facilities provide residential care for the elderly based on age, physical disabilities and illnesses. However, the differences lie in the level of care, medical services and environment.
While many seniors prefer home care because it allows them to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving support, sometimes the best option is a nursing or assisted living home. There’s no one size fits all for aged care services in Perth. It’s important to ensure that each individual receives the right level of care without unnecessary services or costs.
We take a closer look at the similarities and differences between nursing homes and assisted living homes for the best aged care services in Perth.
Similarities between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Homes
Despite their differences, nursing homes and assisted living homes share several similarities in providing quality care for seniors. These similarities include support in diet and nutrition, medication management, safety, quality of life and assistance with daily activities.
Category
Assisted Living Homes
Nursing Homes
Diet and Nutrition
Provide three daily meals, with residents having the option to prepare meals independently.
Nursing home staff provide meals based on specific dietary and nutritional requirements.
Medication Management
Staff remind residents to take prescribed medication.
Nursing staff administer and manage medications for residents.
Quality of Life
Assisted living home staff ensure residents feel welcome and part of the community. They provide activities to ensure residents have a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
The nursing staff ensures residents feel settled and welcome based on their physical and mental needs.
Staff provides residents with activities based on physical and mental challenges.
Safety Measures
Safety is a priority at assisted living homes. Assisted living homes provide general security and ensure residences are equipped with handrails, wheelchair ramps, etc., to avoid hazards.
Safety is a priority at nursing homes. Nursing homes provide general security measures like alarm systems, security staff, etc. Residences have security measures like handrails, wheelchair ramps, etc., to prevent hazards.
Assistance with Daily Activities
Assisted living homes assist residents with personal hygiene, grooming, and medication reminders. These are based on residents’ physical and medical requirements.
Assisted living homes assist residents with personal hygiene, grooming and medication reminders. These are based on the resident’s physical and medical requirements.
What are the Types of Nursing and Assisted Living Homes
As a concerned family, you are probably browsing endless sites searching for the correct long-term care facility for your loved one. It is a daunting and sometimes stressful process. To facilitate your task listed below are the various types of assisted living nursing homes available.
Some cater to specific needs and preferences of the elderly or disabled individuals. Still, each offers different levels of care and support for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities.
Assisted living nursing homes are divided into two groups, skilled care, and custodial care.
· Skilled care refers to assistance with medical services like physical therapy, catheter care, and assistance with medications like IV administration. Only trained medical personnel can provide these services.
· Custodial care assists elderly persons with daily tasks like bathing, grooming, and dining or light housekeeping tasks like laundry, housecleaning, and meal preparation.
1. Independent Living Facilities
Independent living facilities are ideal for seniors who manage their daily routines independently but prefer a community setting with access to meals, housekeeping and recreational activities. Residents maintain their independence but have support available if needed.
2. Assisted Living Facilities
These facilities provide personal care services, like assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, housing, and meals. They may also offer social activities and transportation services.
Assisted living nursing homes are different from independent living nursing homes in that they provide 24-hour, seven-day week caregiver support. In assisted living facilities, residents have various medical care options available. They have medical staff like nurse practitioners to constantly monitor residents’ medical conditions.
3. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
These communities offer various care options, from independent living to skilled nursing supervision, all in one facility. Residents of CCRCs can transition to higher care levels as their needs change over time.
The advantage of CCRCs is that residents have to move once only into the community. They merely transition from one level of care to the next.
4. Adult Family Homes
Smaller, home-like settings are licensed to care for a limited number of individuals. These homes provide a more personalized approach to assisted living but do not necessarily offer medical care.
5. Memory Care Facilities
Memory care units are available for individuals with degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These units provide specialized care and support, including secure living areas, specialized programming, and staff trained in dementia care.
Elderly persons with dementia are at risk to themselves and may wander off; memory care facilities provide these individuals with secure residential care.
Highly trained and skilled staff are available for residents at memory care facilities and provide 24 hours seven days a week care to these assisted living home residents.
6. Traditional Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are available for elderly individuals who require extensive medical and personal care. Nursing home residents have physical or mental conditions or a combination.
Prescribed treatment and personal care are available for nursing home residents. Nursing home facilities provide nursing care, assistance with daily tasks, and three standard daily meals.
The choice between various types of facilities depends on the individual’s specific needs and the required medical and health care level. Researching and visiting different facilities is essential to selecting the one that best suits the individual’s needs and preferences.
The Future of Home Care in Perth
These days’ senior members prefer home care to nursing or assisted living facilities. Technological advancements, such as telehealth and smart home monitoring, are also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of in-home aged care.
Organizations like Care Match Solutions play a vital role in guiding families through these evolving care options, ensuring that the elderly in Perth receive compassionate, high-quality home care services.
Conclusion
Aged care services in Perth provides seniors with the opportunity to age in place while receiving the necessary support for their physical, emotional and social well-being. From several available options families can ensure their loved ones enjoy comfort, dignity and independence in their later years.
If you need assistance with professional guidance in selecting aged care services in Perth, consulting with a trusted aged care consultants like Care Match Solutions can make the process effortless and stress-free.
