If you have a loved one who cannot or doesn't want to live alone anymore and they are elderly, disabled, or undergoing medical care, then it's best to consider putting them in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. What's the difference between these two establishments? 

Learn more about assisted living and nursing home situations so you can help your loved one make the best decision for their future comfort and care. You can also consider a senior living community, which is like a retirement community of individual apartments designed for seniors and others who have limited abilities but can still care for themselves.

The Level of Care

A nursing home is more of a full-care facility, reserved for residents who need full-time assistance in meeting their basic living needs. They have food prepared for them and have their hygiene needs met by having aides available whenever they call for them. In a nursing home, the residents are also watched over to ensure they take any medications they're prescribed, and they have arranged entertainment and other activities set up as well.

An assisted living facility, while still offering care for residents when they need it, is far more relaxed in the level of care they offer. There is typically just a single aide available at all times to serve the many residents who live in the assisted living facility because the residents can largely care for themselves. The aide is just on call to help residents get dressed or do other tasks as needed only.

The Level of Privacy

When your loved one is in a nursing home, they usually share a room with another resident, and sometimes more than one. Their space is divided often by cloth dividers for some privacy, but there's not much. However, the access to constant care and companionship is greater with a nursing home environment, should this be something your loved one needs.

When your loved one is in assisted living, they may get their own private apartment to have to themselves. Or, they may share an apartment-style living space with another resident, but still have their own private room. If your loved one is largely able to live alone and wishes to have their own space, then an assisted living facility may suit them best.

It's largely up to your loved one's abilities and desires that determine whether an assisted living facility or a nursing home is best for their needs. Visit with your loved one to find out what they need most in a living situation, and go from there.

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