What are the differences between Skilled Nursing Care and Assisted Living?

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Someren Glen - Christian Living Communities

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Jun 02, 2021

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Colorado - Denver Metro

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Today there are more options than ever for residential housing geared toward supporting people in their later years. Making sense of the options requires first determining how much assistance will be needed on a daily basis, as well as the kind of support needed. From there, its a matter of matching up the type of community with those needs. Then, weighing costs, location, and fit can help narrow the options to the perfect one for you or your loved one.
Determining the level of support needed
A good first step is to make an honest assessment of the amount of assistance needed to perform routine daily activities, or ADLs:

Personal hygiene bathing and showering
Dressing choosing what to wear and being able to dress and undress
Eating feeding oneself, not cooking
Maintaining continence being able to use a restroom, including getting on and off the toilet
Transferring/mobility being able to get out of bed and chairs and walk from one location to another

For each ADL, people can vary from needing a little support to full dependency, meaning a care partner is required to do the task for them.
After assessing the amount of support needed, youll need to determine which type of community will meet those needs.
Independent Living
If someone can perform activities of daily living on their own, without help, an independent living situation may be the best option. Residents can be part of the social fabric of a vibrant community while maintaining an independent lifestyle and saving on costs.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities will provide non-medical help and some assistance with activities of daily living while encouraging residents to live as independently as possible. Apartment-style living is common in assisted living communities and residents are generally able to get around on their own. Costs for assisted living typically fall between those of independent living residences and facilities that offer skilled nursing. Wheelchair-bound seniors and those who need help with ongoing medical issues may need to consider a skilled nursing community.
Skilled Nursing
Those needing higher levels of care will find skilled nursing communities are better equipped to handle their needs. In addition to assisting with activities of daily living, skilled nursing communities provide around-the-clock support for people who need daily medical care for chronic illnesses. They handle complex medical care and supervision, including:

wound care
injections
IV therapy
monitoring
physical, occupational, and speech therapies

Stays in skilled nursing communities could be short-term or long-term depending on needs. For example, short-term rehabilitation is common after an injury. During short-term rehab, treatment sessions like physical therapy are employed to achieve the goal of getting the body back in working order.
Considering Costs
Skilled nursing communities are typically the most expensive of the options discussed as they provide medically intensive care. In assisted living, costs vary by floor plan and according to what services and amenities are included. A variety of monetary sources should be considered as ways to pay for care. Private financing options include long-term care or life insurance policies, reverse mortgages, annuities and trusts.
Government aid may be available in some circumstances when qualifications are met. Options to consider include Medicare, Managed Care, Medicaid, and PACE. Visit our FAQ page for more information on financing options.
Finding the right fit
An old real estate adage states the three most important things a property should have are location, location, and location. When searching for a community, keep in mind that a good location might mean different things for different people. Does the community offer proximity to family and friends, doctors, parks and community spaces, shopping and restaurants?
The best communities offer a range of options that cover changing needs. Is the community designed to offer a continuum of care? Could a resident transition from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing over time? If so, this would alleviate concerns about future needs. The best community doesnt just meet basic needs, it provides a caring atmosphere where one feels at home. Schedule a virtual tour and be sure to do a gut check. Does it feel like just a place to hang a hat or does it embrace the art of fine living at any age? Ensuring a good fit will save the cost and stress of another move.

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When it comes to caring for an older person, someone leaving hospital, or someone who has a disability, it can be difficult to know what resources are available to you. You may wonder if your loved one needs to enter a rehab facility, hospital, or nursing home or if they are eligible for home care services, allowing them to stay in familiar and comfortable surroundings.At ComForCare, we offer a range of flexible home care services to meet the needs of many people who could use a helping hand. If youre interested in learning whether home care could be right for your family, read on for some of the many ways we offer support in the home.In-Home Senior CareHome Care is a service that provides support for the day-to-day activities of living. Older adults who need a helping hand to stay on top of household duties, personal care, meal preparation, and similar activities are great candidates for home care services. An in-home caregiver can help older adults maintain their independence in the comfort and safety of a familiar space. Nearly 90% of adults over 65 want to age in place, staying in their homes and communities as long as possible. With in-home elderly care services, that dream can be a reality for many.Transitional CareWhen a loved one is moving from a hospital, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing facility to home, providing a safe transition is crucial. Seniors are at an elevated risk of hospital readmission and other hazards after hospitalization. In fact, people ages 65 and over account for about 56% of 30-day readmissions after discharge from care facilities.  Transitional care, otherwise known as short-term services, can help support seniors during this critical time. ComForCares professional caregivers are advocates for their clients health, and they can:Assist with personal care, such as bathing and groomingHelp implement discharge instructions from doctorsPick up prescriptions and provide medication remindersHelp schedule and attend follow-up medical appointmentsReduce fall and injury risks with home safety recommendationsRespite Care & Short-Term CareSometimes, older adults who live at home receive the care they need from family members. While this arrangement can be wonderful, it can also be taxing on their loved ones. Up to 35% of family caregivers rate their health as fair or poor, which can lead to burnout. To ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your family member, you need time to take care of yourself!  Thats where respite and short-term care come in. Hiring a professional caregiver temporarily can give you the time you need to recharge, refresh, and resetwhether for a weeks vacation or just a weekend break. This service can also help provide a fresh perspective so you dont have to feel alone in the care and keeping of your loved one.Disability ManagementThough in-home care is most often associated with seniors, many adults with disabilities also need compassionate, hands-on care. Whether your loved ones disabilities are physical or cognitive, institutions cant always provide the kind of personalized one-on-one care that your family member needs.Advocates and researchers have seen the positive impact that home and community-based services make in the lives of people with disabilities. At ComForCare, our disability management services can help make that difference in your family members life. We provide care services including, but not limited to:Light housekeepingHelp with hygiene and incontinence careMeal preparationTransportation assistanceAlzheimer's and Dementia CareMany people believe that once an older person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, they cant live at home anymore. However, with ComForCares unique approach, DementiaWise, we can give older adults the freedom to remain at home as long as possible. With flexible scheduling, personalized care, and meaningful activities that keep your loved one engaged, calm, happy and utilizing their remaining abilities, you can rest assured that your family member is living their best life, physically and mentally.Find the Best Home Care ServiceNow that you know who a good candidate for home care services is, its time to find the best team to look after your loved one. At ComForCare, we continually strive to provide the most compassionate, consistent and competent care to those who need it. With flexible care options suited to each individuals needs, well care for your loved one like family. ComForCare: Long or Short-Term Home Care with Joy and Dignity. If you have any questions, please call 720-575-5576.

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