Choosing the right living arrangement for your loved one as they age can be a difficult decision. It’s important to understand the distinctions between long term care communities and assisted living communities. Each option caters to different needs, ensuring your loved ones receive the support and care they deserve in their senior years.
Long Term Care Communities
Long term care communities, often referred to as nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, are designed for seniors who require round-the-clock medical attention and assistance with activities of daily living. Seniors in long term care communities often have complex health issues that demand a higher level of care.
Key Features of Long-Term Care Communities:
24/7 Medical Care
Long term care communities have a team of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, therapists, and care aides available around the clock to address seniors’ medical needs.
Assistance with Daily Activities
Residents receive help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility support.
Specialized Services
These communities are equipped to handle chronic illnesses, dementia, or other conditions that require specialized care.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities, on the other hand, are suitable for seniors who are relatively independent but require assistance with certain aspects of daily life or personal care. These communities offer a residential setting, allowing residents to maintain a level of autonomy while receiving support as needed.
Key Features of Assisted Living Communities:
Personalized Assistance
Assisted living communities provide personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s needs, offering assistance with tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, bathing and medication reminders.
Social Engagement
Residents in assisted living communities enjoy a variety of social activities and amenities, fostering a sense of community and preventing isolation.
Independence
Seniors in assisted living communities maintain a higher level of independence compared to those in long-term care, as they are encouraged to participate in daily activities and outings.
How to Determine the Right Fit for your Loved One
Assessing Care Needs
Evaluate your loved one’s current health condition and anticipate any future care needs. If there are complex medical issues that require 24/7 nursing support, a long term care community will be most suitable.
Level of Independence
Consider how much independence your loved one needs. If they can maintain more autonomy safely but still need some assistance, an assisted living community may be the right choice.
Public Funded vs Private Pay
Many publicly-funded, subsidized beds for long term care can come with a lengthy wait, depending on your healthy authority’s waitlist. Looking for private pay seniors care options allows you full control over your loved one’s care and living arrangements.
If you’re looking for a Long Term Care Seniors Community, Shaughnessy Seniors Community offers personalized and high-quality nursing care to support your parent or loved one. Located in Port Coquitlam, our boutique-style private residence is warm, inviting, and can provide the resources required to keep your loved one comfortable and happy despite age-related health problems. If you would like to learn more about our long term care home and care plans, you can book a tour online or call us at 604-468-4856.