Wondering if residential care or nursing care is right for your loved one?
Some of the best medical and custodial care is offered in nursing homes. Here, we’ll examine the ins and outs of the services that care homes and nursing homes offer to help you decide which is the best option for you if you’re unsure that you or a loved one needs that kind of care over the long term.
Different Types Of Nursing Homes Comparison
| Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) | Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) | Residential Care Homes (RCHs) | Board and Care Homes (B&Cs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care Needs | For people who require significant medical care | For seniors who do not require constant care but need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) | For people who need assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) but do not require the amount of care offered in an assisted living facility. | Ideal for seniors who need help with daily routines in a smaller home-like environment. |
| Cost | An individual can expect to spend just over $9,300 per month for a semi-private room, while a private room runs about $10,000 per month. | Costs around $4,500 a month. | Cost an average of $4,300 per month | Costs around $1,500 to $4,500 a month. |
Nursing Home Vs. Care Home
The distinction between an assisted living facility and a nursing home and the variances between these two types of facilities are the most frequently asked questions when deciding where your loved one will live.
Nursing homes are typically managed by nurses, whereas care homes are typically managed by those with expertise in caring for senior citizens.
Knowing which kind of residential care setting you’re referring to is crucial because “care home” generally refers to them.
There are different types, and they offer different degrees of care.
Care homes, also identified as residential care homes, provide older people with a secure setting where they can get assistance with personal care tasks like dressing and bathing, as well as a full schedule of activities and chances for socializing.
Nursing homes offer certified nursing care for residents needing higher levels of care, such as acute care following hospital discharge or long-term care needs. In addition to offering care for those with greater requirements, nursing homes, like residential care facilities, provide social activities and entertainment for residents.
The primary distinction between the two is that nursing homes offer superior care since they have licensed nurses around-the-clock who care, aid, and assist.
In the following comparison, learn more about residential and nursing care variations.
| Care Homes | Nursing Homes | |
|---|---|---|
| Care Needs | Residents in residential care homes may need assistance with personal care and a break from routine chores like cooking and cleaning. | Nursing home residents will require various medical services, and nurses are on call around-the-clock. |
| Team Skills | Care assistants offer discrete assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, and participating in activities and outings. | Nurses are highly skilled in a range of in-depth medical services. |
| Cost | Depending on the needs of your loved one, care facility expenses might vary, but residential care is generally less expensive than nursing care. | The expense of care will increase as an individual’s needs increase. Because residents need more specialized nursing care and facilities, nursing home fees are typically greater. |
When should you choose a residential care home?
The older population experiencing age-related health difficulties, such as diminished mobility and fragility, is typically the target market for residential care facilities. Someone who doesn’t necessarily require highly specialized medical care but can no longer securely and comfortably live independently may find this a viable solution.
Residential care facilities vary significantly from one another, making it crucial to choose the best one for your loved one. For instance, you might want to think about looking for a place where your loved one can have frequent visits from friends and relatives.
When should you choose a nursing home?
People who require daily access to nursing care and have more severe medical demands are often cared for in nursing homes. Elderly persons who need continuing medical care, those with more severe physical and mental impairments or chronic illnesses, and people who require palliative and end-of-life care might all fall under this category.
Nurses with the appropriate training can monitor residents’ health, administer standard care, and use their judgment to determine whether more immediate or intensive medical assistance is needed.
A nursing home may be the best choice if your loved one requires frequent medical attention and has more complex care needs. In a nursing home, your loved one can still receive the medical care they require in a more cozy and less clinical environment.
Bottomline
Finding the greatest care requires matching your loved one’s particular requirements and preferences with a setting and people most suited to help them. Don’t give up if you have to tour more than one home because every senior has a different set of needs, just like every home has a varied environment.
The key is to research and thoroughly compare available options with what you or your loved one needs.
Sources:
https://www.assistedliving.org/care-homes/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/residential-facilities-assisted-living-and-nursing-homes
https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/residential-care-homes