Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home Care

Assisted living vs. nursing home care — when it comes to senior care, this is one of the biggest choices you must consider. While both are amazing options for providing you or your loved ones with the quality care they deserve, the right choice ultimately depends on their needs.

Let’s look at each option to get a better idea of which one is right for you or your elderly family members.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living involves older adults residing in an environment where they are cared for but are still encouraged to maintain a certain level of independence. This is perfect for older adults who need help with certain activities of daily life (ADLs) but can still handle other tasks without issue.

Assisted living facilities typically resemble apartment complexes or communal living setups.

The benefits of assisted living

The main draw of assisted living facilities is the warm, homey environment they have. But they’re also known for providing their residents with:

• Professional care and support — With trained caregivers on staff to help residents with their ADLs, such as bathing and dressing, assisted living facilities to ensure each resident receives the care they need to enjoy a good quality of life.
• Social interaction — Often such environments offer a range of social activities and amenities designed to create opportunities for residents to interact and make friends with each other. The goal is to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Independence — While the caregivers on staff at assisted living facilities can take care of household chores for residents, this does not mean that residents are not allowed to do things like cooking and cleaning if they wish to do so.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing home care involves older adults staying at a facility that provides long-term care for residents with significant health and personal care needs. It’s the best option for people who can no longer live independently due to things like age or medical conditions.

These facilities typically have a more clinical environment. They provide 24/7 medical care, which often includes medication management and rehabilitation services handled by registered nurses and other medical professionals on staff.

Assisted living vs. nursing home care — which one is right for you?

Let’s do a quick assisted living vs. nursing home care comparison so you can make an informed decision.

• Residents — Assisted living is primarily designed for seniors who need some help with their ADLs but can generally manage on their own. Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide a higher level of medical care and supervision, making them more suited to those with more complex health conditions.
• Environment — Assisted living facilities normally have a residential setup, promote social interaction and give residents ample freedom and independence. In contrast, nursing homes typically have a more clinical environment and prioritise their residents’ health and wellbeing above everything else.
• Staff — Assisted living facilities generally have caregivers on staff. Nursing homes, on the other hand, have registered nurses and other medical professionals since their residents normally require medical care.

How does LDK deliver care?

LDK is a unique combination of a retirement living community offering care that is a genuine alternative to a nursing home. LDK’s villages, Greenway Views Tuggeranong, Amberfield or The Landings North Turramurra, allow residents to be as independent as they want or as dependent as they need to be knowing there is support on hand. LDK delivers care under a home care model meaning residents have choice of what care is delivered, how and when. This provides residents the peace of mind to have control over their care and have it delivered within the comfort of their own home.

Give you or your loved ones the quality elderly care they deserve

Over two decades ago, Paul Browne, the founder and director of LDK, embarked on a mission driven by personal experiences with senior loved ones. Inspired by his past, he set out to create a brighter future for senior Australians, leading to the establishment of his first seniors’ living community.

Be ready to become a part of a vibrant community and participate in countless fun and engaging social activities. At our assisted living facilities, seniors can even redecorate their apartments, invite loved ones to stay with them and keep a pet.

Better yet, check out our Aspire Aged Care at LDK. Here, we understand that every person’s ageing journey is unique, so we customise a care plan depending on their needs. Talk to us today to find out more about what we offer!