When we speak of our elderly relative, we usually think of the place where he would be when the time comes nobody cannot keep him company in his own residence. In such cases assisted living and nursing homes are options. These two places are misconstrued to be one and the same. But whoever thinks this way, he is committing a big blunder. There is a big difference between these two!
Assisted Living
One big difference could be in the facilities provided by each of these two. A person in a facility with life assistance is very independent. He can do his activities most of the day by himself. What he requires is just right company who would help him in his general daily activities - a kind of guide. These include his proper grooming, bathing, dressing, preparing food and more other activities.
Among the facilities provided to the client would include comfortable apartments and perfect housekeeping service. Meals are provided to the ward. A person who is placed in such facility is physically able. He would not need any medical assistance. He can move around and enjoy social activities like all other clients in the facility.
Aside from physical capability, anyone placed in a home like this is in good mental state. He is aware of what he does and what happens in his surroundings. He makes decisions. A client enjoys his independence in the safest and securest way. He is provided personal privacy. Most of all, such individual does not have any medical issues. He is in good health and in the best of condition.
Nursing Homes
A person who is placed in the nursing home needs more care and attention than one who is in the assisted living home. In most cases, the person placed here is not in good health and he may require medical attention. Nursing supervision is given all throughout the day and even when the patient is asleep. The nursing home is equipped with more medical equipments that may be needed by the patient who could either be physically, mentally or emotionally unstable.
Although some nursing homes resemble hospitals, they are again not the same. A patient in a nursing home does not necessarily need to be in a hospital. But despite not being a candidate for hospitalization, this person cannot be taken care at home. Furthermore, one who is placed in nursing homes requires more assistance than those in the independent set-up. He will need help when walking, eating or standing. One other big difference is the privacy. In the nursing home, patient is never alone; sharing a room is very common.
Generally, a person in a nursing home is a patient whereas in assisted living facility, he is a client or customer. The big difference between these two places for your aging relative should not be taken interchangeably. You should know what each represents in order for you to be able to choose the right place for the elderly relative.
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