When considering care options for your aging parent, it’s important to understand their needs and lifestyle. Assisted living communities and nursing homes both offer support to seniors, but the type of care and level of independence varies greatly. Choosing the right environment for your loved one can impact their quality of life and well-being.
So, how do you decide?
Determining what kind of care that your older loved one should receive depends on their own, unique needs. For example, if they need assistance with managing medications, assisted living will provide that support. This blog will teach you how to find the appropriate care for your loved one.
What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living & Nursing Homes?
Assisted living and nursing homes serve different purposes.
Assisted living communities are designed primarily for independent seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as medication management, dressing, or bathing. These communities offer a homelike environment with access to social activities, dining services, and wellness programs, encouraging residents to stay active and engaged while receiving personalized support. It’s important to note that the cost of assisted living can vary depending on the level of care needed, but it’s generally less expensive than nursing homes.
Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide more intensive medical care. They’re often suited for seniors who have chronic health conditions or disabilities that require ongoing medical attention. Residents in nursing homes usually need round-the-clock care, which may include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or more complex medical services. The focus here is more on medical care than the active, independent lifestyle in assisted living.
In assisted living, residents enjoy a balance between support and independence. They live in private or semi-private apartments with access to communal spaces like dining rooms, activity rooms, and outdoor areas. Nursing homes, however, focus on healthcare, and residents typically share rooms and follow stricter medical routines.
Assisted living could be the perfect choice if your loved one still enjoys socializing, staying active, and managing some aspects of their daily life with minimal support. However, a nursing home might be more appropriate if they need more comprehensive medical care or assistance with nearly all daily tasks.
Signs to Consider Assisted Living
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who want to maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to live comfortably. But how do you know when it’s time to consider this option? Below are some key signs:
- Difficulty managing medications: If your loved one often forgets to take their medication or struggles with understanding their prescriptions, assisted living can help with medication management.
- Challenges with personal care: Needing assistance with dressing, bathing, or personal hygiene is a common reason to explore assisted living.
- Declining mobility: Difficulty moving around the home or frequent falls could indicate needing an environment with more support and safety features.
- Loneliness or isolation: If your loved one is feeling lonely or isolated at home, assisted living communities offer a range of social activities to keep them engaged and connected.
- Difficulty maintaining a household: Housekeeping, cooking, and grocery shopping can become burdensome. Assisted living removes these tasks, allowing seniors to focus on what they enjoy.
- Caregiver stress: Assisted living can provide much-needed relief if you or another family member feels overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities.
Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors
Assisted living communities are designed to support seniors in living life to the fullest, even as their needs evolve. The benefits extend beyond help with daily tasks—they offer an enriching environment that fosters independence and connection, including:
- Daily Task Support: From medication management to personal care, residents receive help with the essentials while maintaining as much independence as possible.
- Make Friends: Assisted living communities host a variety of activities, such as game nights, exercise classes, and group outings, allowing residents to stay socially engaged.
- 24/7 Security: With 24/7 staff on hand, residents have access to help whenever needed, providing peace of mind for them and their families.
- Easy Access to a Doctor’s Care: There is a Primary Care Provider in the community, as well as other specialized providers, like podiatrists and psychologists, who visit when needed.
- In-House Therapies: Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy is available in the community.
- Stress-Free Living: Residents don’t have to worry about cleaning, laundry, or cooking—everything is handled.
- Health & Wellness: Many communities offer fitness and wellness programs to keep residents healthy and active.
Life with Peregrine Senior Living
At Peregrine Senior Living at Cheektowaga, we understand that moving to assisted living is deeply personal, so we strive to make the transition as smooth and supportive as possible.
Our community is unique in that we focus on enriching the lives of our residents through meaningful experiences. We believe in the power of memory, and many of our activities—like pet therapy, music rooms, and sports rooms—are curated to help spark long-term memories. Our bird aviaries bring a touch of nature indoors, and our dining events are the perfect time for family members to come together with their loved ones. We also offer a range of amenities, including a fitness center, beauty salon, and library, to ensure our residents have everything they need for a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.
We understand the importance of family connections. At Peregrine Senior Living at Cheektowaga, we provide ample opportunities for you to be a part of your loved one’s life. Whether you join them for a meal at no extra cost, participate in spiritual services, or attend family events, Peregrine is a place where family bonds are not just nurtured, but celebrated.
Our staff members are trained in all aspects of senior care and genuinely care about each resident’s well-being. With comprehensive training and ongoing support, they’re always ready to lend a helping hand, whether assisting with daily tasks or simply providing companionship. Their dedication and expertise provide a level of care that you can trust and rely on.
Discover Our Community Today
If assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, Peregrine Senior Living at Cheektowaga is here to help. Our compassionate and dedicated team ensures every resident enjoys a fulfilling, comfortable life.
Schedule a tour and discover why the Peregrine Way is the ideal place for your loved one’s next chapter.
