We all know that our needs change as we age. So, it can feel hard to decide to choose between a residential care home and assisted living.
Whether you need a personal space with a home-like feel or a range of amenities and social activities, we have your back. Let’s understand the advantages of residential care homes and assisted living facilities. With this knowledge, you will be empowered to make an informed decision about choosing between residential care homes and assisted living. So, let’s break down the key differences between these senior living care options and find the perfect fit for yourself or your loved one.
An Overview of Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes are commonly known as board and care homes. They are equipped and located in residential neighborhoods. Residential homes can only provide services to up to 10 residents.
In general, board and care homes have assisted living caregivers ready to help residents all day long if needed. But before choosing a residential care home, it’s better to get insights into your state’s licensing regulations and oversight working procedure.
What’s Included in Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes are considered nonmedical care, which can be in contrast to the care provided by assisted living. They offer the same amount of assistance provided in assisted living.
Residential care homes may be referred to as board and care homes, senior living care or group homes, adult foster care homes, personal care homes, and many more. Their core assistance is focused on daily activities. Some are mentioned below:
- Nutritional services
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Daily care
- Mobility assistance
- Speech, occupational, physical, respiratory, and occupational therapy
Is Residential Care Homes a Good Choice For You?
Whether a residential care home is a good fit for you or not. The answer varies from person to person, depending on their personal preferences. Several reasons that can help you understand you need residential care homes; some of them are:
- If you want to live in a place with less people, then it’s a yes
- Another is you like privacy in the bedroom
- Relaxed and home-like space
- Required assistance with daily chores but did not feel the need for around-the-clock care
What About Assisted Living
Assisted living caters to seniors who desire a homey atmosphere with fewer frills, offering a more affordable alternative to other senior living care options. They offer affordable senior care with daily assistance and meals in a cozy setting. Unlike some senior care, assisted living communities don’t have full-time medical staff but may have visiting nurses.
In the United States, over 800,000 older adults find care in assisted living facilities. These residences provide a secure, long-term environment for active seniors who need some assistance with daily activities but still desire independence.
What’s Included in Assisted Living
As you know, assisted living is specifically formed for older individuals who can’t live independently. Generally, they offer personal care and support services. Here are some examples of services included in assisted living communities:
- Bathing, toileting, and laundry service
- Cooking and eating
- Nutritional meals and dining services
- Medication and meditation for seniors
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Outings with transportation
Is Assisted Living a Good Fit For You?
In general, assisted living serves old-aged people with certain medical conditions like managing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or another type of dementia. The main goal of these communities is to create an active lifestyle, stimulate the mind, and create opportunities for meaningful connections.
Now, let’s find out if assisted living is a good option for you. Below, we’ve mentioned several questions. If your answer is yes, that means it could be a great option for you.
- Looking for a helping hand, not constant medical care?
- Need some support with getting dressed and showering?
- Ready to ditch the chores?
- Craving social connection?
Key Differences of Residential Care Homes vs. Assisted Living
Although residential care and assisted living caregivers provide similar services, fundamental differences exist. You might have observed that both are quite similar. However, there are many significant differences. Let’s explore them!
Level of Independence
Assisted living communities often cater to individuals who retain a greater degree of independence. People in these communities typically manage some daily tasks themselves and participate in social activities. In contrast, residential care facilities prioritize a higher level of care for residents who require more assistance. Staff may provide help with most aspects of daily living, with a focus on ensuring safety and well-being.
Environment
Assisted living facilities often have a resort-style feel, offering amenities like on-site gyms, swimming pools, and courtyards. Additionally, apartments are typically designed for individual or couple occupancy. Meanwhile, senior living care in residential facilities provides a more homelike environment, often resembling a large house with shared living spaces. Their rooms are typically smaller and more basic, fostering a sense of community.
Social Activities
Assisted living places a strong attention on social activities, offering various programs and events to keep residents engaged and active. On the other hand, residential care homes prioritize maintaining the independence of their residents, allowing them to live more autonomously while still receiving necessary support.
Dining Experience
The dining experience in assisted living care facilities is often resort-style, offering gourmet meals and a variety of dining options. Conversely, residential care homes feature a more cozy dining room setting, which fosters a homelike and communal atmosphere during meals.
Living Spaces
Assisted living facilities provide apartment-style suites, offering residents a sense of privacy and independence within a larger community. Residential care homes, however, focus on creating a homelike environment, where the living spaces are designed to feel more like a traditional home, enhancing comfort and familiarity.
Conclusion
In short, choosing the best course of action for a loved one can be a complex and demanding process. Their well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental health, hinges on this decision. The ever-increasing number of available options can further complicate matters, making it difficult to discern the ideal path forward. However, you don’t need to think twice about finding a good memory care facility near me. We at Sequoia Springs Senior Living prioritize senior’s health, safety, and an active lifestyle to help them cope with life challenges. Get in touch with us for the best and most reliable community assisted living services for your loved ones!
