Major Differences Between Assisted Living And Respite Care Facilities

June 9, 2021 0 Comment Category: Uncategorized

When your senior loved ones reach the golden years, you will need to accept the reality of residential care, like assisted living, respite care, or memory care. Just like it can be confusing for your senior loved one, it can also be confusing for you when you have such wide levels of unfamiliar care options. Which type of care facility is best for your senior loved one? It will be difficult for you to find out when you do not know what you are looking for.

 

Here, we will share some of the common differences between respite care and assisted living for your knowledge, so that you will be able to choose the suitable nursing care option for your elderly parent or any other senior loved one.

 

Assisted Living Facilities 

It is natural for seniors to need little help with personal care. Your senior loved one may be very independent, but they may need help with housekeeping, cooking, and laundry. An assisted living facility can be the best option if your senior loved one values their independence a lot but could use some help with activities of daily living. Most of the best programs will start with a full assessment of the person to find out the level of care necessary for the person.

 

Private apartments in assisted living communities can provide your parent with the necessary privacy and they can have medical assistance round the clock. If your senior loved one likes to keep to themselves, then assisted living can be the suitable option. Nutritional assistance can be valuable if your senior loved one is finding it difficult to stay motivated to eat healthily. Your elderly parent will not only eat better but will have more free time when living in an assisted living facility.

 

When compared to respite care facilities, assisted living is an ongoing permanent arrangement. Some of the benefits of assisted living are shared below:

• Ensures independence and privacy, while help is available whenever necessary.
• Help with managing medicaments to get rid of any worries.
• Companionship and social activities to keep the mind of your senior loved one stimulated.
• Help with personal care, for instance, cleaning, laundry, cooking, and shopping.
• Easy access to occupational therapy and physical therapy.

 

Respite Care Facilities 

If you are in search of a short-term care solution for your senior loved one, then respite care can be suitable. These facilities provide short-term care that can be necessary for many reasons. Your senior loved one may have had an accident and temporarily needs more help that you are unable to provide, or they may feel that the time is near to move to a residential care facility, but would wish to test the waters before moving. It could also be because the caregiver of your senior loved one needs a break from the caregiving responsibilities which brings respite care facilities into the image.

 

Whatever be the reason for transfer to a respite care facility, your senior loved one will be able to take full advantage of the respite care facility. The senior can get help with all aspects of daily living, just like assisted living facilities and even transportation services are provided to make medical appointments easy and stress-free. Nursing care facilities like respite care homes will have qualified staff who can offer help with medication management and there will be medical personnel ready to help your elderly parent if your parent suddenly feels unwell.

 

The main difference between respite care and the assisted living facility is in terms of duration of stay. In most cases, a move to an assisted living facility is permanent and a move to a respite care facility is temporary.