Differences In Senior Living Communities

Differences in Senior Living Communities

There is an overabundance of senior living options to choose from and it could be overwhelming to someone who is looking for a community for themselves or a loved one to live in. There are major differences in independent living apartments, assisted living communities and nursing homes.

Independent living communities do not have staff assistance to care for residents. Independent living communities may have amenities, but the residents are independent to care for themselves. Some may choose to hire home health companies to help them minimally.Assisted living communities have registered nurses and licensed practical nurses available and on call but are not on sight at all times, although they do have care givers on site 24/7 for help. There is more help available for the residents than an independent living community, for personal care needs, providing amenities, meals, housekeeping/ laundry and activities to continue to make the individuals life tailored and as independent as it can be while still ensuring safety.

 To qualify for an assisted living community someone may need help with personal care, meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. However sometimes people exceed the capabilities that an assisted living can provide if they have a decline with their health and this is where a nursing home would come into play.

Nursing homes is a broad term but specifically refers to an individual who needs a higher level of care than what an independent living or assisted living community provides. This may include skilled care in which a patient is getting rehab maybe after a major surgery or fall. Skilled nursing is a short term stay within a nursing home that insurance is usually covering.

There are many avenues in senior housing options and it all can be confusing and overwhelming. This blog merely touches the complexity. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to call.

Robin Bartalos

Marketing Director

Prairie Hills at Des Moines

5815 SE 27^th St.

Des Moines, Ia. 50320

Office: 515.256.9143

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