When a person’s ability to live independently is challenged by injury, illness, or natural age-related changes, they are faced with a challenging question — what next? Some people may simply need help getting to and from the grocery store after retiring from driving. Others may require more comprehensive medical supervision. No matter the type or level of care needed, it’s important to find the right assistance.
Three of the most common options for outside care for seniors include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care. Although they share a similar purpose — providing care for those who need it — they offer very different lifestyles and levels of care.
Today, our elder care experts at Your Healing Touch will provide an overview of the differences between nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care to help you determine the right path for you or your loved one. As a leading home care services provider in the Indianapolis area, our priority is helping you maintain your health, happiness, and overall well-being. The first step is making sure you have the information you need to make the right care decisions. Read on to learn more, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us today.
A nursing home can best be understood as a medical care facility that also provides housing. Its primary function is to provide around-the-clock medical supervision for those that may need more specialized care. Nursing homes are ideal for older adults who need a lot of assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom, or for people who need frequent medical care for an illness or condition.
Nursing homes also offer rehabilitative care to help patients recover after a surgery, heart attack, or stroke. Almost one quarter of all nursing home residents stay for less than three months. Some nursing homes, often called memory care facilities, specialize in dementia care for people with Alzheimer’s and other degenerative cognitive diseases.
As a rule, nursing homes afford little privacy, and they are not made to support independent living. Residents often share rooms and must comply with visitation hours. Although nursing homes do encourage building community with daily activities like crafts classes and movie nights, these events are always hosted on-site.
If you or your loved one needs more comprehensive medical care, then a nursing home may be the safest and most comfortable solution. But older adults who are mostly independent will likely not enjoy living in a highly supervised, hospital-like environment.
In contrast, assisted living facilities can best be understood as housing for seniors that also provides some care services. They are ideal for mostly independent adults who need a lower level of care. Far from the supervised medical environment of a nursing home, assisted living facilities are more like apartment complexes. Seniors can live in their own private apartment, keep their own pets, cook in their own kitchens, and generally enjoy an independent lifestyle while also receiving specialized care in specific areas.
Like nursing homes, assisted living facilities typically organize activities, classes, and community events. They may also offer regular group outings and trips to public parks, museums, and shopping centers. Almost all of them provide transportation for running errands, getting groceries, and going to doctor’s appointments, although some residents may still drive their own cars.
Assisted living is not ideal for seniors who require a higher degree of supervision or medical care. It’s better for those who want to maintain an independent lifestyle, but who need isolated assistance with non-medical tasks like cooking, cleaning, or self-care.
In-home care can be customized to any level of medical and non-medical needs, from helping with light housekeeping to providing around-the-clock medical supervision. Home care services allow seniors to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home, so they can maintain their lifestyle and stay active in their own community.
It is important to know that not every in-home caregiver is qualified to provide medical care. Your Healing Touch offers a range of care from non-medical home care services to skilled in-home nursing services. If you are reaching out to your local home health agency or in-home care provider, make sure to explain your specific care needs to ensure they can accommodate them.
Because at-home care can be tailored to individual preferences and needs, it can be an ideal solution for almost anyone. Whether you’re seeking companionship, help with personal care tasks, or more qualified nursing care, there is an in-home care solution for you.
If you’ve assessed your level of care needs and your lifestyle preferences, and you have determined that in-home care is the right solution for you, then Your Healing Touch is ready to help. We offer both non-medical and medical in-home care to people across Indiana, and we work closely with each of our clients to create the ideal care plan for them.
Fill out our contact form to start your home health care journey today.
