When the topic of senior living comes up most people’s thoughts go straight to nursing homes. The terms are often used interchangeably which promotes the misconception that senior living communities and nursing homes are one and the same. While in years past senior living, options may have been extremely limited, today there are several options available to seniors to meet their needs as they age. Senior living is no longer synonymous with a nursing home and today we will share with you the differences between these skilled nursing facilities and an independent senior living community to help you decide which is best for you or your loved one.
What Are Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, are residential facilities that provide 24-hour skilled nursing care and assistance with daily activities. Residents who live in these facilities require constant care because they do not have the physical or mental capacity to provide much of their own care. This type of environment is best for those that are unable to live on their own but whose health concerns are not serious enough to require hospital care. The design of nursing homes is more similar to a hospital than that of an independent living community and the facility is staffed with nurses and other healthcare providers around the clock.
What Are Senior Living Communities?
Senior living communities are facilities comprised of individual residences or apartments that are designed to promote an independent lifestyle for seniors. They have all the amenities of a home in a layout that promotes independent living. This is the middle ground between completely independent living and nursing homes. Senior living communities are a great option for seniors who are able to provide all or much of their own care but may need a certain level of assistance to complete some of their daily activities. Residents in these communities do not require constant care and are able to maintain a lot of their independence.
A senior living community is a great option for someone who is able to get around on their own but needs help with some daily tasks like getting dressed, doing their laundry, shopping, preparing meals, caring for pets, getting to appointments, management of self-administered medications, or personal care tasks such as bathing and grooming.
Many senior living communities offer other amenities and services as well. Here at Ashbridge Manor, we offer many additional amenities. Our Wellness Center offers a comprehensive exercise program with options for group exercises or one on one fitness training with a personal trainer, on-site physical and occupational therapists, and an indoor heated therapy pool. Our personal companion services are overseen by a full-time Wellness Nurse and provide non-medical assistance with daily living. Our community also includes a convenience store, a luxury salon to provide hair services to both men and women, a library with a great selection of reading materials and an iPad and computer station, outdoor spaces like a beautiful garden and walking path, laundry, and housekeeping services, transportation services, dining services including a continental breakfast and three-course dinner, and a 24-hour concierge desk for added security and assistance when needed. We also offer a full event calendar with a schedule of outings and onsite events such as concerts, museum visits, art classes, and more.
Finding The Right Fit
It can be an overwhelming thing to decide on the best living arrangement for you or a loved one in your senior years. The best way to approach it is by first assessing the senior’s current needs, living preferences, and future needs. Then explore the options available to find the right fit.
The decision between a nursing home and a senior living community is a personal matter that greatly depends on the level of care and assistance that the senior in question will require, both now and in the near future. As you consider your options schedule a visit to our facility to experience the warm welcoming environment firsthand and meet our caring staff to get a feel for the atmosphere and sense of community here.
At Ashbridge Manor Senior Living we pride ourselves on creating an environment that enables seniors to lead a fulfilling, socially active lifestyle and independent lifestyle. When it’s time to transition to a senior living facility, contact our professional staff members and we can help make it easy. You can find us at 971 E. Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown, PA, call 610.269.8800, or contact us online for more information. Ask us about our move-in special!