The percentage of senior citizens in the world’s population is growing at a rapid rate, most likely due to increasing populations and medical advancements. The UN has estimated that by this year, senior citizens will make up roughly 9% of people.
If there is any downside to people living longer, it’s that aging can present us with difficult decisions. Perhaps we’re not equipped to care for ourselves or our aging relatives anymore.
This leaves us with the question of what the best option is for us or our loved ones. Two of the more popular options are assisted living and nursing homes. What’s the difference between the two, and how do you tell which is the better option between assisted living vs. nursing home?
We’ll go into that in detail in the paragraphs below.
1. What is a Nursing Home?
The more widely-known type of facility is a nursing home. A nursing home is a facility that offers senior citizens more intensive and specialized medical care.
It is best for those who no longer have as much independence as they once did.
Nursing homes are often staffed with different types of nurses and nursing assistants who are equipped to help those with more advanced or complex care needs.
Becoming a registered nurse requires at least an associate’s degree, though a bachelor’s degree is recommended. Furthermore, many facilities require their nurses to undergo additional job training before working there. That means that you or your loved ones are going to be in the hands of trained professionals.
However, before considering nursing homes, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that nursing homes have gotten a bit of a bad reputation, and some of them have earned it.
Elder abuse is a horrifying reality of modern society, and nursing home abuse is also very prevalent. A survey conducted in 2000 found that almost half of those surveyed–a total of 2,000 residents–reported being abused. Worse yet, nearly all of them reported neglect.
It should also be noted that, as with most types of abuse, the rates of elder and nursing home abuse tend to be higher among women.
The good news is that there are ways to protect your loved ones from nursing home abuse, even if you have to send them to a nursing home.
One of the best ways to help your loved ones stay safe is to simply do research. Oftentimes, when nursing homes mistreat their patients, somebody notices. As with any other business, a nursing home with a lot of bad reviews is not a place to go to.
Not only that, but the state is also on your side. Research all the nursing homes you’re looking into. If any of them have been indicted for abuse, neglect, or simply not meeting medical standards, cross them off the list.
2. Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are by far the better option, but they’re not for everyone. They’re best suited to those who may need some help with daily tasks but are still basically independent.
Their medical needs are not so pressing that they need around-the-clock care. Because of this, there is often not as much medical staff on-site, though medical care is still there if needed.
Another advantage is that there seem to be more assisted living facilities than nursing homes, and these facilities have more cost and care options based on the needs of each patient.
Both types of facility give seniors the opportunity to be around and interact with those their own age, but assisted living facilities are often better for this because the patients themselves have more time and ability to spend time with others.
3. Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Home: How to Tell Which is Needed
In many cases, it will be easy to determine whether someone needs a nursing home or an assisted living facility, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, perhaps the person in question is basically capable of living on their own but happens to be in a wheelchair. Which is the better option?
The answer may actually be a nursing home. Though the person doesn’t have many issues aside from mobility, assisted living facilities aren’t always equipped to handle those in wheelchairs.
Meanwhile, a person who has difficulty with a wider spectrum of activities, but doesn’t need anything beyond basic care in any area may be better suited to an assisted living facility.
There may be cases where your loved one doesn’t necessarily need to go to either facility. Sometimes, a visiting nurse may be able to give them the assistance they need. This will allow them to stay in their current home while still being well cared for.
Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes and How to Choose Between them
Having to put a loved one away from home is never easy, be it for college or for elder care, but knowing your options can help a lot. For instance, if you or someone you love needs daily medical care, a nursing home may be the best option.
Meanwhile, those who need some help, but are generally more independent, an assisted living facility may be better.
Ultimately, the choice of assisted living vs. nursing home is going to come down to you and your loved ones, but the best favor you can do for everyone involved is to research the situation.
If you want to know more about in-home nursing and care options, please visit our site.
Read More: 4 Nursing Home Alternatives & Their Benefits
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
