When a loved one needs care and support, assisted living is often the right choice. These communities offer a blend of autonomy and care, making them ideal for older adults looking for some help here and there. However, there may be a point where they need more advanced medical care that can only be found in a nursing home.
Look for the signs that your loved one needs a higher level of care. If they’re struggling with everyday tasks or receive a recent diagnosis of a chronic health condition, it may be time to consider a move from assisted living to a nursing home.
What Is Assisted Living?
For many older adults, independence is valuable. It’s important for autonomy and mental health. However, age can sometimes pose unique complications that can make everyday life a little more complex.
Joint pain, arthritis, stiffness, and other medical conditions can make it more difficult for many older adults to safely remain at home. When your loved one wants to maintain independence but needs help with daily tasks that have become more challenging, assisted living can help.
Assisted living communities offer a home where your loved one can enjoy a mix of independence and professional care. These communities are designed to help with tasks like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication management
- Housekeeping
- And more
Meanwhile, your loved one can enjoy access to all kinds of services and experiences offered by the community. There are fitness programs, art classes, therapy groups, on-site amenities, and more. There’s seamless access to plenty of enjoyable activities to make every day unique, making assisted living an incredible experience for seniors from all walks of life.
Who Should Move to Assisted Living?
Assisted living is ideal for older adults who need some help but want to enjoy a relatively independent lifestyle. Before your loved one moves to assisted living, they receive a customized care plan so they can get the help they need every day. This plan is constantly reviewed and updated as your loved one’s needs and abilities change.
Assisted living is ideal for older adults who:
- Want to maintain their independence but are struggling with some daily tasks
- Prefer a community atmosphere with social engagement
- Could benefit from access to caregiving
- Appreciate access to various recreational and wellness programs
However, it’s important to note that assisted living communities are tailored toward older adults who can still remain relatively independent. To qualify for assisted living, your loved one must be medically and cognitively stable. If they need access to more advanced healthcare, assisted living may not be the right choice.
How Nursing Homes Help
Nursing homes—also recognized as skilled nursing communities—are designed to offer higher medical care than other senior living alternatives. These are designed to give your loved one a place to receive around-the-clock support for any ongoing medical conditions while still enjoying life in a home-style setting.
In nursing homes, caregivers are licensed or registered nurses qualified to provide medical assistance for more complex conditions. This makes nursing homes an excellent option for older adults needing daily access to advanced healthcare.
Nursing homes provide:
- Personalized care plans tailored to medical and personal needs
- 24/7 medical supervision and support
- Assistance with daily living activities like bathing and eating
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Social activities and wellness programs
This structured environment helps your loved one get the love, care, and support they need for their condition while still giving them a place to maintain dignity and quality of life.
Should Your Loved One Move to a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes can be an excellent way to preserve your loved one’s health. But how can you tell if it’s time to move to a nursing home?
Try to speak to your loved one regularly about their everyday life. If they’ve been diagnosed with a complex condition that requires ongoing care, assisted living may no longer be ideal for them. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Increased difficulty with daily tasks
- Frequent medication mistakes or missed doses
- Unexplained weight loss or nutritional deficiencies
- Recurring falls or mobility issues
- Isolation or lack of social interaction
If these signs sound familiar, your loved one would likely benefit from a change.
It’s important to note that this can be a complex decision that requires open communication. Make sure you explain to your loved one that you have their best interests at heart and are trying to make sure they’re well taken care of in a place that can truly meet their needs.
Find Your Loved One’s Future Community
At The Ridge at Grandeview, we know that age can pose unique challenges, so we’re here to help your loved one every day. We’re dedicated to providing a place where your loved one can thrive and a home where they can be loved and supported by our incredible team. Schedule a tour with us today, and let’s work together to give your loved one a home.
