When you realize that Mom or Dad can no longer take care of themselves on their own and you need to know your options, you will be entering the unfamiliar world of senior care. With so many terms flying around, it’s hard to know which type of facility offers what type of health services and amenities. To help you uncover the mystery of identifying the appropriate type of “home” for your loved one, we have outlined the basics of the two most well-known types of senior living facilities, assisted living facilities (ALF) and nursing homes.

Assisted Living Facilities, also known as an ALF, allow seniors who cannot live alone but are not in need of around the clock medical care the ability to have assistance with their activities of daily living (ADL). Residences are usually a private apartment or a private room with a common living area and bathroom. Generally, a prime candidate for an ALF would be a senior that needs assistance with a minimum of three ADLs. Assisted Living Facilities also provide the supervision and monitoring of health conditions. They coordinate with each resident’s health care providers to make sure the resident is receiving the proper medical care. Residents in an ALF generally have a variety of social activities available to them for their enjoyment. Many plan outings and trips such as a visit to the Zoo or the shopping mall. If they prefer to stay in, they can enjoy movies and card games. All meals are usually served in a main dining room within the facility allowing for another opportunity for the residents to mingle. An ALF is a good option for a senior who is still active to maintain some of their independence, receive the medical care they need, and enjoy their new friends and fellow residents.

Nursing Homes are for seniors who require constant medical attention and monitoring. Most seniors in a nursing home have limited physical abilities and serious medical conditions. A complete medical staff is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is responsible for observing, recording, and treating each resident. Typically, nursing home residents reside with 2 to 3 people in each room, each resident with their own bed and small private area for personal belongings. Like ALFs, nursing homes offer activities and entertainment to their residents, often in the form of holiday celebrations and birthday gatherings. A senior who needs complete, continuous care is a great fit for a nursing home.

As you can see, there is a significant difference between these two types of facilities. If you would like more information to assist you in making the right decision for your loved one, contact Home Health Senior Care. Help is just one click away! Home Health Senior Care