Updated on August 20, 2024
Deciding if your mum needs assisted living or a nursing home can be an emotionally challenging task. You want to ensure she has the care and support she needs, while also ensuring she maintains as much independence and quality of life as possible.
Let’s delve into some key factors to help you determine the best course of action.
Differences Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
| S/N | Assisted Living | Nursing Homes |
| 1 | Primarily assists with daily tasks, some healthcare support | Intensive medical and personal care |
| 2 | Emphasizes preserving residents’ independence | Residents may have varying degrees of independence but often need more assistance |
| 3 | Limited medical care; may have nurses or healthcare professionals on staff | 24/7 medical care provided by skilled nursing staff |
| 4 | Focus on social and recreational activities; may have communal spaces | Primarily healthcare-oriented, fewer recreational amenities |
| 5 | Generally less expensive than nursing homes | Higher cost due to intensive medical care |
| 6 | Private or semi-private apartments | Often shared rooms with limited privacy |
| 7 | Regulated, but generally less strict compared to nursing homes | Subject to more comprehensive regulations due to medical care provided |
| 8 | Long-term, but residents may move out if their health improves | Often for more extended periods, including short-term rehabilitation stays |
| 9 | Limited rehabilitation services; more focus on daily living support | Extensive rehabilitation services for recovering from surgeries or illnesses |
| 10 | Based on assistance with daily living; aimed at maintaining independence | Based on intensive medical needs and safety concerns; focuses on skilled nursing care |
Things to Look Out for Before Considering Assisted Living or a Nursing Home for Your Mum
1. Access your mum’s ability to live independently
One of the first steps in determining if your mum needs extra help is to take a close look at her ability to handle daily tasks on her own. Consider her ability to maintain her home, cook her meals, and manage her laundry. Is she able to do these tasks without assistance, or does she struggle? Is she able to remember when to take her drugs, and does she keep up with any necessary refills? Does she attend her medical appointments? Are there any noticeable risks, like frequent falls or instances of confusion about her surroundings? Answers to these questions will help determine if you should consider assisted living or a nursing home for her.
2. Consult with healthcare professionals
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor and seek their professional opinion when making this decision. An additional advantage if it’s a family doctor. As a professional, they are familiar with her health, co gnitive status, and ongoing medical needs, and are valuable allies in this process. They can offer an informed perspective on whether assisted living or a nursing home is the more suitable option based on her current health conditions and also help you consider any potential future concerns.
3. Consider the financial cost
Both assisted living and nursing homes require a big financial investment. The cost differs for both options and understanding these differences is important in helping you make an informed decision. Assisted living is generally less expensive than nursing homes. However, the costs of either depend on your unique needs. Understanding your family’s financial capabilities and the extent it can cover beyond what your mum’s insurance provides is important.
4. Consider the social aspect
When considering getting help for your mum, an easy aspect to overlook is her social life. However, it is an important aspect to consider for her emotional well-being. Consider her current social interactions and lifestyle. If she is far from loved ones and often feels lonely, or if moving from place to place is a challenge and makes it hard for her to leave the house, the social stimulation offered in an assisted living facility or a nursing home could be helpful. These facilities usually provide activities and social events designed to nurture a sense of community and encourage socialization. Regular interactions with other people can help reduce feelings of loneliness, stimulate her mind, and greatly improve her emotional health.
5. Evaluate the impact on your mum’s well-being
At the end of the day, the goal is for your mum to be well and happy. Part of the things that should influence your decision should be the impact of these changes on her. Consider her personality, preferences, and lifestyle in this decision and ensure that your choice reflects what she wants and not just her medical needs. The goal is to find a place where she not only receives the appropriate care but also thrives and is happy and satisfied.
Is it possible for your mum to receive some level of care in her current home rather than moving to a community?
Yes. Home care is a viable option that provides support for daily activities and medical needs in the comfort of your mum’s home. This choice preserves her independence while ensuring she receives the necessary assistance.
Are there any factors that may indicate your mum would be better suited for one type of community over the other?
Yes. Your mum’s level of independence, medical needs, social preferences, and financial capacity are some of the key determinants. For instance, if she’s relatively independent and values a vibrant social life, assisted living may be the better fit. On the flip side, if her health requires round-the-clock medical attention and personal care, a nursing home might be more suitable.
How important is the social aspect in choosing between assisted living and nursing homes for your mum?
Both options offer different degrees of socialization, and it’s important to ensure they align with what your mum wants. Careful considering your mum’s social tendencies, whether she is outgoing or more reserved will help you make an informed decision. It is not just about providing care, but also ensuring your mum lives an engaging and fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Deciding between assisted living and a nursing home for your mum is something that should be navigated with care, communication, and compassion. Understand her needs, assess her independence, value her social preferences, consult healthcare professionals, and consider financial implications. Tick all the boxes. It can be emotional and challenging but when you know you’re making the right decision, it will be easier to handle and you can be certain you’re choosing the right facility.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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