Senior living options confuse many individuals. They remain unfamiliar with the language and assume independent and assisted living refer to the same things. Although the two options come with similarities, men and women must know the differences. With this information, they find choosing the right option for themselves or their loved one becomes much easier.
Services
Individuals in need of assistance regularly should consider senior care facilities that offer help when needed. Residents live in their own quarters but remain close to others living in the community. They can call for help at any time via a button in their residence, and staff members assist with a range of tasks. This includes cleaning, bathing, shopping, and more. The level of help offered varies by the neighborhood, so individuals must learn what is provided in each center before making their selection.
In contrast, independent living facilities offer no medical or nursing support. Men and women living in these communities lead an active lifestyle and want amenities on hand for their convenience. They benefit from meals prepared on-site but don’t receive assistance with planning nutritional meals or showering. However, some communities contract with outside providers to provide help to residents who need more than the center offers. Ask about this option when comparing communities.
Staff Interactions
Individuals residing in a retirement neighborhood determine the level of interaction with staff members. Men and women who choose to make use of neighborhood amenities regularly have more contact with staff members than those residents who prefer to do their own thing and remain in their residence or go out with friends.
Senior care communities employ staff members who routinely check on residents. They do so to ensure human interaction for these individuals. Family members appreciate knowing someone is there for their loved ones and can alert them to any problems in a timely manner.
Cost
Retirement facilities come with a lower price tag but aren’t usually covered by insurance or government services. A senior care center comes with a higher price tag but offers more services. Individuals find the facility might be covered by Medicaid, an employee benefit plan, or long-term-care coverage. However, the individual may need medical orders or a prescription from a physician before the coverage kicks in.
Family
Family members want to know their loved ones receive the appropriate level of care when they cannot be present. Retirement facilities ensure residents engage with others so they don’t become isolated or depressed, two real concerns with seniors today. The family remains involved throughout the process.
Senior care facilities handle all caregiving duties for residents. This level of care ensures the senior’s needs are all met. As a result, family members find they can concentrate more on interacting with their loved ones rather than focusing on ensuring their needs are met.
Level of Care
Senior care communities benefit individuals dealing with medical conditions that interfere with their ability to care for themselves. Some individuals need help with basic tasks such as bathing or grooming. Other men and women, however, need full-time care, such as those suffering from dementia or Parkinson’s disease. The senior living center changes the care to meet the changing needs of the resident.
Retirement communities, in contrast, are designed for men and women who can care for themselves. They choose this type of facility for convenience above all else. As a result, a person might find they move into a retirement facility only to discover they need to move again when additional care is required.
Choosing the Right Option
Men and women with minor health conditions find they can choose a retirement center. However, they may want to choose a more comprehensive facility so they don’t need to move again in the future. Which should a person choose?
Individuals who cannot stay alone for a few days in their own homes should select a senior living facility. The same holds for men and women who need help to run errands or handle other regular needs. Caregivers often suffer from burnout, as they are caring for themselves, their families, and aging loved ones. In this situation, senior care options should be considered. Anyone suffering from a serious medical condition, one that will likely worsen with time, should look into this level of care as well.
Individuals who are healthy but would like more companionship need to research retirement options. They may find they are anxious or bored when left alone, and the facility would resolve these problems. These communities typically plan activities for residents so these issues become less of a concern.
Retirement options ensure every person finds the right facility for their needs. Quality of life doesn’t have to be sacrificed as a person ages. Compare several facilities to find the right center for your loved one. It’s out there, so don’t give up.
About the Villa de San Antonio:
A warm and friendly neighborhood, Villa de San Antonio provides residents with lifestyle options and flexible services. Choose from cottage homes, independent living apartment homes, and assisted living apartments. The staff remains committed to providing exemplary care regardless of which option a person selects.
