As we age, our needs for support, therapy, and medical care change. According to the National Health Care Association, more than 60% of us over the age of 65 will eventually need some kind of assistance, either at home or in a care community. There is a range of care options available, depending on an individual’s health needs. Understanding the differences between the levels of care and how to access each can help ensure support, safety, comfort, and independence for a high quality life through the senior years.
Assisted Living v. Skilled Nursing What Are the Differences?
Assisted Living communities focus on individualized, needs-based care with direct resident supervision by a caregiver. Treatment plans are developed in conjunction with the resident and his or her family.
Services offered range from medication assistance and supervision to personal hygiene, night checks, daily bed-making, and more. In addition, these communities offer a range of social activities and common areas to encourage interaction among residents.
When Is the Transition to a Skilled Nursing Care Community Necessary?
If there are changes in a patient/resident’s diagnosis, as determined by a physician and care team, a transition to a skilled nursing community may be the recommended next step. Staffed 24/7, a higher level of care can be provided to treat more complex conditions. The Skilled Nursing setting is also appropriate for helping a patient move from the hospital to a more independent setting. Here, licensed medical staff develop and manage treatment plans. Individualized care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nursing staff, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, social workers, and dietitians.
Skilled Nursing care may be short-term or long-term, depending on the diagnosis. For example, a resident could be admitted while recovering from surgery or receiving rehabilitation services. In these cases, the goal is to return the patient to the least intensive support community based on their care plan, whether in Assisted Living, Independent Living, or the resident’s home. Patients diagnosed with a long-term illness or severe debilitating condition may move to another level of care: Long-Term Care. In this setting, the focus is to provide 24/7 care to support medical and therapeutic needs, most often for the rest of the patient’s life.
Planning for Transitions in Senior Living Care
As you begin to explore options, definitions of care settings may be confusing. While individual providers and communities may vary slightly in services offered, keep in mind that each describes a specific level or intensity of care depending on the needs of the individual.
While this article focuses on levels of care provided in senior community settings, many treatment plans can be delivered by a home health provider. Explore local and state resources, and talk to your local social support community, including friends and members of your church. Everyone has experiences to share that can help you find the ‘right’ level of care and support for yourself or a loved one at the ‘right’ time.
The Wesleyan: Providing a new, bountiful experience of aging full of purpose, passion, and possibility for more than 50 years. TheWesleyan.org