As your parents age, there may come a time when they can no longer safely live at home alone. However, the varied older adult living and care options can make choosing the right one difficult. You may find yourself wondering if your mom needs assisted living or a nursing home. If she has been diagnosed with dementia, her providers might suggest memory care. Explore these options to understand what each one entails and when it might be time to consider them.
Does My Parent Need Assisted Living or a Nursing Home? How To Tell
The best way to tell if your parent needs assisted living or a nursing home is to discuss their needs, abilities, and limitations with their healthcare provider. In-depth evaluations will give you a better understanding of what your parent can do safely and where they need the most help.
Learning about the different options is a great place to start. You can gather the information needed to help you choose a long-term senior living option that meets your parent’s unique needs.
What Is Assisted Living vs. a Nursing Home?
Assisted living is a specialized type of senior care that provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents typically have some level of independence, yet there is safety in knowing they are monitored and cared for. In addition to ADLs, nursing homes provide medical care for residents.
These are two very different senior care options designed to meet the unique needs of residents and patients. Costs and living structures between the two can vary widely.
Features of Assisted Living
A good assisted living facility has staff who are specially trained to accommodate older adults who need assistance with ADLs. This typically includes grooming, dressing, eating, and getting around. Assisted living centers also provide select services, such as:
- Exercise programs
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Planned activities for social enrichment
- Transportation to limited areas
Residents get the help they need while maintaining a desired and appropriate level of independence. This typically includes living in a private apartment or suite with a dedicated kitchen area, choosing activities, and having freedom of movement around the community. If your parents eventually need more care, they can then transition to an appropriate nursing or memory care program.
Features of a Nursing Home
Skilled nursing facilities provide medical care to patients in addition to meals, activities, and assistance with ADLs. The care often goes far beyond standard medication assistance offered in assisted living. For example, nursing home staff may:
- Administer IV medications
- Change wound dressings
- Physical and occupational therapy
Additionally, there is always a registered nurse present to handle medical situations that arise. Nursing homes have doctors who oversee patient care. They may or may not be on-site daily. However, they are on-call and available should an emergency occur.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a form of assisted living for people with dementia or related cognitive decline. Staff undergoes training to provide appropriate and responsible care that helps residents remain safe and engaged. If your mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this type of care.
Residents in a memory care center usually have a private suite designed to limit confusion and enhance safety. Facilities have security and monitoring to reduce the risk of a resident wandering off or injuring themselves.
What Are the Signs Someone May Need Assisted Living?
Many older adults prefer to age in place and remain in their communities as long as possible. This is a great choice for some, but it is not always a safe one. One of the biggest signs that it’s time to look at assisted living is if you feel your parent is not safe living alone. For example, if your mom leaves the stove on or the door unlocked.
Trouble managing household affairs and finances is also a concern. Spending more than they can afford, giving money to strangers, or forgetting to pay bills can have serious consequences. Other signs that it may be time to consider assisted living for your loved one include:
- A lack of food in the house
- Dirty or disheveled clothing
- Frequent falls
- Poor housekeeping (where this was not a problem before)
- Skipped medications
Assisted living is also a good option when caregivers are suffering burnout. It takes a lot of time and effort to care for parents who cannot take care of themselves. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of care your mom needs, it may be time to look at assisted living communities that will ensure proper care without straining you physically and emotionally.
When Is Memory Care a Good Choice?
Memory care is a great option for older adults with dementia. If you notice a parent forgetting to take medication, skipping meals, or wandering aimlessly, they may benefit from the enhanced supervision of a memory care center.
How Do I Know When It Is Time for My Parent To Be in a Nursing Home?
As a general rule, you will know when it is time for your parent to be in a nursing home by the level of care that they require. For example, your mom may need injections or IV medications, a feeding tube, or significant wound management that is best performed by a trained medical professional.
Putting a parent in a nursing home can be a tough choice for many people. However, strict state and federal regulations are in place to monitor care provided and ensure that patients are treated well. Also, keep in mind that skilled nursing care can be a long- or short-term solution. Some people move to a facility after surgery or an accident and then move to an assisted living center once their medical condition improves.
Does My Mom Need Assisted Living or a Nursing Home? Explore Your Options at St. Charles Senior Living
St. Charles Senior Living offers compassionate assisted living and memory care services in St. Charles, MN. Our senior living community offers exceptional amenities and personalized service. If your mom needs assisted living or a nursing home, our staff can help. Schedule a tour to explore your options.