Is It Time for a Nursing Home? What Are the Best Options?
Many people dismiss nursing homes and other senior living options because their loved one wants independence, and they want their loved one to remain autonomous. But the truth is that senior living can provide more freedom and improve the quality of life for many. When it comes to deciding on the best possible level of care, it can be hard for families to understand what their options are and decide what's right for them. "Nursing home" is often used interchangeably with "senior living," however, nursing homes are just one option for senior living - which can range from independent living to assisted living and even retirement communities.
Senior Care
When considering the best options for seniors in need of assisted care beyond what family and in-home caregivers can provide, it's important to research all available options. You'll want to look into the services each type of facility offers and how they differ from each other.
Retirement Communities
Retirement communities offer a variety of services to keep residents active and engaged, such as dining options, transportation, wellness and fitness programs, recreational activities, and a variety of social activities and outings. These communities can have independent and assisted living options on the same campus.
- Assisted Living: This is an option for your loved one who desires to stay autonomous but needs help with activities of daily living. Assisted living offers healthcare, food service, and housekeeping in a more home-like setting.
- Independent Living: Independent living usually features apartment-style housing in private units while having access to amenities and services such as transportation, fitness centers, and social activities, should they need it. Usually, an optional meal is provided in a communal dining hall, which is an ideal combination of privacy and community for elderly persons who can take care of themselves with minimal assistance.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are medical facilities that offer 24-hour support and supervision by licensed nurses and nursing aides. Residents are usually those who need substantial help with eating, personal hygiene, and even walking. Loved ones who suffer from dementia or have very limited mobility, or need medical equipment such as feeding tubes or oxygen are candidates for a nursing home. Some nursing homes provide specialized care.
- Memory care is a specialized form of care provided in nursing homes and other settings specifically designed to meet the needs of those with memory issues such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Memory care facilities have staff and programs specially trained to help those with memory issues remain safe and comfortable while providing meaningful activities and opportunities to socialize.
- Hospice care is a specialized type of end-of-life care focused on comfort, symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support for those facing a life-limiting illness.
- Skilled nursing facilities are a temporary alternative to nursing homes. These short-term treatment centers are staffed with medical professionals including doctors, nurses, and aides. Skilled nursing facilities provide pain management, physical therapy, wound care, and many other services.
How to Find the Best Option
Topics to Research
Researching each type of care before making a decision will help you find the best fit for your parent or loved one. The prognosis of any existing conditions, insurance coverage, and cost of living for those on a fixed income must be considered. Once you decide on a level of care, research different facilities and ask about staff qualifications and credentials, activities offered for residents, safety protocols, meal plans, and any other special considerations.
Quality Assessments
When researching potential nursing homes or any other type of assisted living facility, it is important to understand what factors are used to determine the quality of care. Factors like staff-to-patient ratio, cleanliness, and the level of services offered should all be considered when making a decision. It is also important to research reviews from former patients and families to get an understanding of the overall experience with a particular facility.
Different Solutions for Different Situations
When considering the best option for your parents, it is important to consider their needs and also their wishes. Perhaps a nursing home isn't necessary for every situation. In-home care is also an option that provides more personalized care. Senior Helpers® Arlington-Alexandria, VA provides companionship, help with light housework and medication reminders, and meal prep all in-home for seniors in the Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County area. They offer companion services for seniors looking for assistance with daily activities. Learn more about our services and consider if it's the right option for your family. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Once you have researched all available options, you can evaluate which option is the best fit for your family and senior loved one.