When you and a loved one have had a difficult conversation about them moving into care, you may have looked into the different options that are available. Of course, there are a few different ones out there, with the most prevalent ones, or well-known ones, being traditional care homes and the next being assisted living facilities. As both have staff onsite and provide your loved one with a residential setting, you may be wondering what exactly the difference is. Well, read on for a better definition!
Care Homes
Care homes, also known as nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals who usually require a higher level of medical care and attention. They typically have 24-hour nursing staff and are staffed by licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. Care homes are best suited for individuals who have complex medical needs and require ongoing medical attention and monitoring. Typically, care homes like the care homes in Bournemouth will cater to a specific demographic. These could be individuals who are recovering from issues such as a stroke or a heart attack, or they may have specific cognitive issues or physical issues that may require extensive rehabilitation and care.
Daily Activities in Care Homes
Alongside the basic daily activities that you or your loved one may be involved in within a care home, such as cooking, dressing, and cleaning, there are many others too. These are aimed to help keep your loved one mentally stimulated while also helping them to engage with other people.
Many care homes offer social activities such as games, crafts, exercise programs, and outings to help residents stay active and engaged with their daily routines. Care home staff may provide activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading, puzzles, or memory games, to help residents maintain cognitive function. Of course, there is also the emotional support that the staff offers too, and there may be one-to-one sessions for you or your loved one relating to nurses and support workers, based on your need.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who need some assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications, but do not require medical care or constant supervision. They offer a variety of services and amenities, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities, but generally do not have 24-hour nursing staff.
Assisted living is, generally, more aimed at people who do not require as much cognitive stimulation in a controlled way and, depending on the assisted living complex you or your relative moves to, there may be trips to salons, a cinema, or even bingo nights, as well as more regular trips to the nearest town or city.
The activities are also a bit wider due to the often higher capabilities of the residents and may include arts and crafts, such as painting pictures, making gardening boxes, or, even one step further, having a garden patch for the residents of the complex to manage and look after. There may even be an onsite gym or swimming pool.
