When an aging loved one starts needing ongoing medical support or help with day-to-day personal care tasks, you may assume it’s time for them to move to a nursing home. While nursing homes can be a great option for some people, they’re not the only type of senior care available. Let’s take a look at some of the main types of nursing homes and senior care facilities.
What Are the Different Types of Care Facilities for Senior Care?
There are several different types of nursing homes and senior care facilities. The right choice for an aging person may vary depending on their health needs and personal preferences.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care centers provide a safe, supervised environment for older adults who need assistance during regular business hours. This assistance can vary from one center to another. Some facilities focus primarily on social activities, while others also offer comprehensive health and supportive services.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a nursing home alternative that cares for seniors in adult day health centers. ArchCare Senior Life PACE participants can visit the center to enjoy a healthy lunch, socialize with friends, and receive necessary medical care.
In-Home Care
In-home care refers to a wide range of services and supports seniors can receive in the comfort of their homes. This assistance makes it possible for seniors to remain in their own homes, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Seniors who opt for in-home care may receive help with daily activities and personal care, from bathing and dressing to basic health-related services. At-home care could also include ongoing skilled care from nurses or visits from rehabilitation professionals, such as physical therapists.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a senior housing option for people who can no longer live on their own but don’t need the skilled care provided by nursing homes. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence, but caregivers are available 24/7 to provide a helping hand with bathing, dressing, toileting, or other routine tasks.
Seniors who move into assisted living can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, without the stresses of housekeeping, laundry, and preparing meals. Some assisted living programs also offer convenient on-site medical services to help residents stay healthy.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are a residential care option for people who need a higher level of support than assisted living facilities typically provide. They offer round-the-clock care and supervision to residents who are recovering from serious medical events or living with complex health conditions. Some types of nursing home care services that residents might receive include:
Choosing a Nursing Home
If you decide nursing home care is the best option for your loved one, the next step is choosing a nursing home that’s a good match for their needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing nursing homes.
Location
Location is a key factor to consider when choosing the right nursing home for a loved one. Seniors who require nursing home care may prefer to stay in a familiar neighborhood, or in an area that’s conveniently located near friends or family members.
ArchCare offers four nursing homes throughout New York City — in Staten Island, East Harlem, the Bronx, and the Upper East Side — plus another home in scenic Rhinebeck.
Services Provided
Supportive and medical services can vary from one nursing home to another, so be sure to choose a facility that offers the types of care your loved one needs. Common nursing home services include round-the-clock skilled nursing care, access to physicians, and rehabilitative care.
To ensure your loved one receives the best-possible care, consider nursing homes with experience caring for people with your loved one’s health conditions. Some of ArchCare’s specialty care areas include HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, and palliative care.
On-site Amenities
Nursing homes may offer a range of common areas and on-site amenities to improve residents’ quality of life. For your loved one’s comfort and convenience, look for facilities that offer everything they need close to home. A few of the many amenities available at ArchCare include:
Care Quality
The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) measures nursing home quality with its Five-Star Quality Rating System. Nursing homes receive an overall rating, plus additional ratings in three categories: Health Inspections, Staffing, and Quality Measures.
Check the star rating for any home you’re considering. Facilities with a one-star rating are considered below average by CMS, while five-star rated facilities like ArchCare at Carmel Richmond are considered above average.
Activities
Without the pressures of employment or chores, nursing home residents have plenty of leisure time. Nursing homes offer scheduled activities to help residents pass the time and stay entertained. Ask to see each nursing home’s activity calendar to make sure the offerings suit your loved one’s interests and abilities.
ArchCare residents can stay active and engaged with exercise classes, crafting activities, holiday celebrations, and other fun events. To help residents stay connected to the community, friends and family members are often invited to participate.
Choose ArchCare for Senior Care
ArchCare, the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, offers a full continuum of care for older adults. Seniors can seamlessly transition between care levels if their needs change, from in-home care and adult day care programs to comfortable nursing homes and compassionate end-of-life care. For more information about care options, or to schedule a tour, contact us today.