Choosing the right living arrangement for your loved one can seem like a challenging decision to make. After all, you want what’s best for your loved one, but it can seem like there are so many options! Personal care, skilled nursing—which is right for your loved one?
If your loved one wants to remain independent while getting support for their daily activities, personal care homes are the way to go. But if they need around-the-clock access to medical assistance, skilled nursing homes are the right choice!
What Is Personal Care?
Imagine a place where your loved one can live as they please. They have their own home, a supportive community, access to plenty of programs, and more. And all the while, they can get care for any daily activities that might be causing them a problem. Every community member gets a customized care plan tailored to their exact situation so they can receive proper care.
That place exists! It’s a personal care home. In these communities, your loved one will have access to a supportive community with a focus on growth and engagement—while giving them the independence they want in their life.
With a team of dedicated professionals on deck, personal care homes have plenty of benefits to help your loved one live a good life. The benefits include:
- Support for daily activities
- Classes, art programs, fitness centers, and more
- Group adventures
- A safe environment
In these communities, your loved one can live as they see fit while getting the support they deserve.
When Is Personal Care the Right Choice?
Personal care homes are an excellent option for older adults who value their independence but may need a hand with daily tasks. Whether they need a hand with medication management, laundry, cooking, cleaning, or any other daily task, these communities are the place to go.
If your loved one wants a supportive environment where they can keep their independence, it may be a good idea to recommend personal care.
However, there’s a bit of a catch. While personal care homes offer some level of medical support, it does vary from community to community. These homes are ideal for older adults in stable condition—if they need more advanced support, personal care may not be the ideal option.
What Are Nursing Homes?
But what if your loved one needs around-the-clock care? Or what if they’re recovering from a recent surgery, injury, or illness, and don’t want to stay in a hospital? That’s where skilled nursing can be a great choice.
In a skilled nursing home, your loved one gets:
- Their own place to call their own while they stay
- 24/7 access to medical care
- A team of trained and licensed healthcare professionals
These communities provide a higher level of medical care than other spaces. They’re designed for older adults with unique medical situations that require the right touch. Skilled nursing communities also have on-site specialized equipment so that each and every community member gets the attention and medical treatment they need.
Who Should Live in Skilled Nursing Communities?
Skilled nursing is a great option for older adults who need ongoing medical support and monitoring. If your loved one has chronic health conditions, needs specialized therapies, or wants some assistance with activities of daily living while they recover, skilled nursing can help.
Skilled nursing is also a popular choice as a short-term recovery option after a surgery or illness. When this is the situation, the focus is heavily on rehabilitation. The trained team on-site helps guide your loved one through recovery while still giving them the medical care they need.
These communities can be an excellent choice if your loved one needs any kind of advanced medical treatment.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Loved One
But how can you decide between the two? This choice involves some careful consideration. Talk with your loved one, and try to learn what they need and want from their community.
It can help to think about:
- The level of assistance your loved one needs
- What activities and social opportunities are important to them
- Whether or not they have any medical conditions that need advanced care
- How your loved one feels about moving to a community
It’s essential to involve them in the decision-making process. This can be a complicated conversation, so be open and honest. Remember: their input plays a huge role in the two of you making the right choice for their well-being.
We’re Here to Help
At Juniper Village at Monroeville, we understand how important it is to find the right community for your loved one. Our team is here to guide you both along the way, and we’re ready to help ease the transition however you can. If you need our help, contact our community to learn more!