Today, senior care facilities are in high demand among retirees and older citizens due to optimum care and top-notch health services. Among several types of facilities, assisted living and residential care are the two main types of long-term care options in high demand. If you’re looking for a nursing facility for you or your loved one, any of these two options can be an ideal choice. However, since both are not the same, you need to dig deeper to make an informed decision. This guide will explain everything about assisted living and residential care and how they differ from each other based on specific categories significant to care facilities.
Types of Services
The main difference between assisted living and residential care can be defined according to the type of services they provide. The former accommodates several residents at once, whereas the latter is more of a personalized experience. Assisted living facilities accommodate around 50 to 300 beds in a single nursing home. On the other hand, residential care is private and accommodates only one or two beds. The caretakers solely focus on one elderly person and ensure their well-being. Depending on the resident’s requirements and level of care needed, residential care facilities can also provide licensed care with optimum scrutiny.
Needs and Preferences
You should also consider the elderly’s needs and preferences when choosing a senior living for your loved one or a facility. Some prefer having a laid-back and relaxed environment, whereas others need to be in a large group. Assisted living facilities help the elderly bond with others due to a higher number of social activities and more people around them. If the elderly need peace and want just a single caretaker to drive them around, a residential care facility is a better option for them. The elderly also have the option of customizing their preferences and needs. For example, if they want a relaxed environment but need someone to take care of them just for a few hours, a residential facility can fulfill their needs.
Staff
These two types of facilities can also be distinguished on the basis of the number of people they have on board and the quality of assistance they provide. While the number of people employed in a facility is an important factor to be considered, you should also look into the type and quality training received by the staff on site. As mentioned in Abbey Manor's comprehensive assisted living program, the elderly are given special attention and can even receive tailor-made sustenance from trained caretakers in assisted homes. Residential care homes may have fewer people in their team but are equally competent to take care of the elderly. However, for some, the number of people on board is an important consideration, which is why you must also keep this point in mind.
Pricing
Every kind of senior nursing facility is expensive. However, both these care homes vary greatly on the basis of pricing and budgeting. Assisted facilities charge around $4500 to $12,000 every month, which mainly depends on the type of services and assistance provided. The higher the quality of the service is, the more they will charge their residents. Residential care is relatively cheaper and therefore more affordable.
Location and Ownership
Residential care homes are ideally constructed in friendly residential neighborhoods to mimic the home-like feeling and help the elderly settle in easily. These houses are spread over random areas and are tinier as compared to the main facility. Assisted living facilities are typically located in a central area and are accessible by all. If you want a facility for your elderly and wish to visit them more often an assisted living for seniors care home is a better option. At the same time, you should also look into the ownership and type of people who run the organization. From registered nurses to veterans, various types of people are eligible to run facilities.
Additional Perks
At times, additional services and perks should also be considered as they can help weigh your options. If some elderly need help with their physical or mental health treatment, assisted facilities have special departments for tailor-made treatment, like Alzheimer’s care. They can even receive therapy if requested. Even though this is not possible in a residential care facility, the elderly can still receive special attention.
When choosing a facility, you may also have to look into the regulations and licensing of the care home to make an informed choice. Ideally, it all boils down to your budget, location, and the types of services you need for yourself or your elderly relative. Read online reviews and consider acquaintances to compare your options and find an ideal nursing care facility in your area.
