With the tremendous increase in our nation’s elderly population, the assisted living and retirement community industry in America has grown rapidly over the past decade. Yet, many people are still confused about the term "assisted living" and how it differs from nursing homes, nursing home care and retirement living.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a less costly, more homelike senior housing option for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities, but don’t require the full-time care of a nursing home facility. Many types of people choose to live in assisted living residences – young and elderly – and some suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, senile dementia or other memory disorders. Still others may need help with incontinence or mobility.
The types of services offered in assisted living communities vary depending upon state requirements and company policies. Most assisted living communities offer private senior apartments, community dining rooms, and scheduled social and recreational programs in addition to varying levels of assistance with the activities of daily living.
The cost of assisted living care is generally lower than skilled nursing home care. Residents or their family members usually pay for assisted living care, although care may be reimbursed by an individual’s health or long-term care insurance policy depending upon the specifications of the policy. Some state and local governments also offer subsidies for low-income residents. Check with your private insurance provider and state and local government agencies to determine what type of financial assistance may be available to you.
Retirement Living
Retirement living is designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves independently, but want to live in an environment that provides communal services and activities such as dining and recreational opportunities. Many retirement communities feature separate senior apartments or cottages and include community pools, exercise facilities and social halls.
Skilled nursing home care
Skilled nursing home care facilities are designed for residents who require 24-hour supervisory nursing home care and, until recently, offered one of the only forms of senior care. Skilled nursing home facilities are staffed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. Residents live in single or shared rooms and usually dine together in a community dining room.
