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How to Choose between a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility

As our loved ones get older, there may come a time when they need more care than what we can provide. Mental health, physical health, accessibility, and medications require knowledge and expertise that we don’t all have. Consequently, it’s understandable that you would want to explore better options for your elderly relative. Seeking housing alternatives for your elder may be the best choice for everyone. 

Entrusting your family member’s care to someone else can be scary, so naturally, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. There are so many options for elderly care. You may be unsure which one is best suited for you and your loved one’s needs. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a lot in common. However, there are key differences that distinguish them. You need to carefully consider these differences before deciding which care service you need. 

The Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Though some people use the terms nursing home and assisted living interchangeably, these two forms of housing serve different purposes. Nursing homes offer a range of health and personal care services but emphasize medical care. Residents can receive full-time nursing care, rehabilitation services, and 24-hour supervision along with meals and assistance with their everyday needs. 

Assisted living facilities serve as a housing alternative for older adults who need help with everyday activities. The staff in these facilities may assist with medication management but not comprehensive medical care. Typically, they have private or shared apartments and fewer residents than the standard nursing home. Retirement communities often include assisted living facilities. 

When to Choose a Nursing Home

Suppose your elderly relative needs assistance with more than typical daily activities. In that case, a nursing home may be the better option. Nursing homes are staffed by full-time medical professionals. Many have the same medical equipment found in hospitals to provide comparable care outside of the hospital. 

They’re the ideal choice for seniors who require medical treatment and constant monitoring. Some nursing homes have assisted living facilities or receive seniors who need to transition to someplace that can provide them with more extensive care.

When to Choose an Assisted Living Facility

If your senior does not require serious medical care and monitoring, an assisted living facility would be a better option than a nursing home. An assisted living facility may be more appropriate for an older family member who is retired with some limited abilities. 

An assisted living facility is perfect for seniors who are in good health but need assistance with certain daily matters. In an assisted living facility, they can exert more independence in their living space. Also, they would have more privacy and outside areas to engage in recreational activities.

Protect Your Senior with an Experienced Nursing Home Lawyer

We can try our best to do our due diligence. Still, there’s no guarantee that our loved ones will never experience negligence or abuse. The elderly are a vulnerable group, and not everyone has their best interests at heart. Abuse and neglect can leave them traumatized and jeopardize their health. You should consider filing a claim if you believe they are being harmed. 

Dalli & Marino, LLP has experience handling cases related to nursing home abuse in New York. Our skilled attorneys will help you recover the compensation you deserve. If your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse while under the care of one of these residences, call us at (888) 465-8790 or submit our contact form to schedule your consultation. We speak Spanish, so feel free to speak whichever language is more comfortable for you.


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