The latest figures from the CDC show that around 811,500 Americans currently reside in residential care communities. These folks are typically relatively independent but need some assistance with certain everyday tasks.
If you’ve started searching for a residential care community to move to, you may have come across the terms personal care homes and assisted living facilities. While there are similarities between the two, there are also crucial differences you need to be aware of.
In this article, we will look at personal care home vs assisted living. We will take a closer look at the benefits of each and the key similarities and differences that will guide your choice.
What Are Personal Care Homes?
Personal care homes are communities for seniors that provide similar care to nursing homes. Unlike assisted living communities that follow a social model, personal care homes follow a medical model. Thus, they provide a higher level of care than assisted living facilities.
Residents live on-site and can access 24-hour nursing care, although they typically need less care than those in nursing homes. Specially trained staff also assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).
These activities vary depending on the needs of the individual, but may include:
- Preparing food
- Eating
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Getting in and out of bed
- Continence support
- Mobility assistance
While residents access nursing care in personal care homes, they can also enjoy various social and entertainment activities. This means they can balance accessing care for their medical needs with enjoying life to the full.
Who Can Benefit From a Personal Care Home?
These communities are best for seniors who require personal care services alongside health services provided by nurses.
People who live in personal care homes are usually less independent than those in assisted living facilities. If you need regular medical care or expect to need it soon, a personal care home may be your best choice.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities focus on helping seniors enjoy life and retain independence. They do not have medical staff but do provide personal care services.
Care Services in Assisted Living
Trained staff can assist with the activities of daily living but cannot provide medical attention beyond first aid. Most assisted living communities provide medication management services. However, staff cannot prescribe medications, change dosages, or provide medical advice.
Assisted living communities have links with local medical services. If you are unwell at any point, staff can contact doctors who can either attend the home or ask that you be brought to a local clinic or hospital. So, while there is no medical staff on-site, you are never far away from the medical assistance you need.
Home Services at Assisted Living Communities
Residents can access a range of services that make life easier. These include:
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Home maintenance services
- The use of well-maintained grounds
- 24-hour security
Many seniors appreciate being able to enjoy their home without worrying about maintaining it. Enjoy perfectly manicured lawns, delightful grounds, and a safe, clean home without lifting a finger. Also, rest easy knowing that your home is being monitored 24 hours a day to keep you safe and sound.
While some seniors still enjoy driving themselves around, others have decided their driving days are over. Now’s the time to be chauffeured instead. Look for an assisted living community that offers transportation services to get you where you need to be.
Amenities at Assisted Living Communities
Residents can enjoy access to a restaurant where fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals are prepared daily. Some communities also offer in-room dining services.
Many communities offer a daily roster of fun activities and events. These can include fitness classes, movie showings, live music performances, lectures, and excursions. They may also include outings to the theatre, a museum, or a shopping trip to a local mall.
Some senior living options offer the perk of a concierge service. This is a dedicated member of staff who can make life easier by arranging:
- Dining reservations
- Movie tickets
- Travel plans
Pets Are Welcome
Studies have shown that pets can have a beneficial effect on seniors’ well-being. For this reason, many assisted living facilities allow residents to bring their pets with them. Some offer pet-friendly amenities such as walking paths to give your four-legged friend some exercise.
Who Can Benefit From Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who value their independence but would like extra assistance. They are not currently managing any long-term medical conditions that require nursing care.
Of course, none of us knows what the future holds. Many residents find that after enjoying some time in an assisted living community, they then need more medical help. They may choose at that point to move on to a personal care home or nursing home.
The Verdict: Personal Care Home vs Assisted Living
From our discussion, it’s clear that personal care home and assisted living communities are both great choices.
However, this elderly care comparison has also shown that the choice depends on your personal circumstances. Consider the following questions:
- Do I have long-term medical conditions that need, or will need, nursing care?
- Do I need assistance with one or more activities of daily living?
- Do I have a medical condition that requires continuous monitoring?
If the answer to these questions is yes, it’s likely that personal care home benefits will outweigh those of assisted living. However, if you’re still in relatively good health and just need a little extra help during the day, assisted living communities are the way to go.
Choose Discovery Village at Deerwood Assisted Living
Have you weighed up the pros and cons of a personal care home vs assisted living and decided in favor of the latter? Then look no further than Discovery Village at Deerwood.
Our assisted living programs allow you to retain your independence while providing personalized care and support. We will maintain and clean your home so you can enjoy the wide range of social activities on offer. At the same time, you can benefit from medication management, personal care, and access to medical treatment as needed.
We’re so confident you’ll love Discovery Village we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Schedule a tour and see for yourself how enjoyable assisted living can be.
