Assisted Living For All

Many elderly people dread going to nursing homes because of the bad reputation that nursing homes have in our society. Nursing homes have had some problems over the past several decades, but there are still good, reputable homes. Even so, being placed in a home will force your loved one to give up their personal freedom, privacy, and independence. If your loved one does not yet need constant medical care, there isn\'t a necessity to place them in a nursing home. Try considering another option.

The alternative to a nursing home is an Assisted Living Facilities, popularly known as ALF. These facilities are for people needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), but who want to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Assisted living purpose is to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.

Level of Freedom

Residents in assisted living centers are not able to live by themselves, yet do not require constant care either. Assisted living facilities offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications. Many facilities also have centers for medical care; however, the care offered may not be as intensive or available to residents as the care offered at a nursing home.

Understanding the Differences

The decision on whether to send your loved one to an assisted living facility or a nursing home rests on many factors, such as the following.

* Cost: Assisted living is rather costly because individuals live in apartment-like settings. Nursing homes are cheaper because the elderly live in a more communal space, with little private space.

* Medicare is frequently available for someone in a nursing home. It may not be for someone living in Assisted Living Facility.

* Facilities: Assisted living facilities are focused on individuals. Nursing homes are focused on the collective group.

* Place: While assisted living facility is a place for one or few particular aged at a time, a nursing home houses many patients. The former house an individual who is given all the help and assistance he or she needs, while the nursing home gives far less individual care.

* Nursing homes are meant to care for people who have a number of health care requirements, and cannot care for themselves. Assisted living facilities are meant to assist elderly persons who can basically care for many of their personal needs themselves.

* In an assisted living facility, skilled nursing care is not usually available except on an as-needed basis. A nursing home is more similar to a hospital environment and provides full-scale, skilled nursing care.

* Assisted living facilities are meant to assist people in preparing meals, bathing, dressing or performing household chores. If your loved one is often confused or experiencing memory problems, assisted living might be the answer. If they have a debilitating disease or condition, they might need a nursing home.

Consider Their Welfare

When deciding on either a nursing home or an assisted living facility, your major concern should be the welfare of your loved one. It may be necessary to factor in the reality of costs, but there are ways of obtaining financial aid and in the long run, you\'ll rest easier knowing your loved one is being well cared for. Just keep in mind that if you end up with a situation that is fraught with problems, the effort and stress you invest in resolving the situation may not be worth the dollars you thought you might save.

For more info, see Long Term Care and Long Term Care. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Authoring Articles.

Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

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