Sometimes, being able to pick the right choice for your loved one when it comes to senior care options can be a daunting task. This is especially so if the senior has special needs that always require constant attention, or has unique personality traits that make it hard to find the right choice.
When it comes to retirement homes and long-term homes, there are no immutable laws regarding which is better, it is always a matter of choice and circumstance. To pick the perfect place, it is always helpful to consider the major differences and how the benefits of each type align with what you are looking for.
The differences may always not be too obvious and may sometimes lead to unnecessary confusion and delays. Understanding these differences gives you better information and will allow you to make an informed decision on behalf of your loved one.
So, here are the major differences between senior living options and the benefits that come with choosing one or the other.
Long-Term Care Homes
Care homes are specially created for seniors who need constant care and attention. These facilities provide round-the-clock intensive care and supervision to seniors, in addition to safety, hospice services, and special care to seniors with special needs like dementia, and so on. It essentially offers personalized services long-term to those who need it.
They are also very good for adaptation, so they stay with the senior as their condition either progresses or deteriorates, monitoring and observing them. This facility works best with special needs seniors. You may not have the time to look after them well, so a long-term care home is a perfect option for you.
Generally, they are funded by community initiatives for the medical and support services for seniors. The seniors will only pay for the accommodation with other incidental costs. That is why they will usually pay more attention to long-term healthcare and hospice services, as opposed to mundane activities such as community engagements and recreation.
They are centered on all-day supervised care, so the residents will be vetted to ensure only those who need it will be accommodated. Generally, those admitted to care homes are seniors who require regular supervision, are infirm, mentally infirm or incapable of taking care of themselves. Their loved ones also may not have the capacity or adequate time to ensure maximum supervision. They may also include other wellness activities such as spiritual care and meditation. It is always best to consult a medical practitioner or government official to determine the best care home if you have decided to take a loved one there.
Retirement Home
A retirement home offers a different kind of value proposition to a long-term care home. For one, they are not for a specific group of people, anyone can stay at a retirement home. They offer a comfortable space and environment for residents alongside other personalized services if so needed.
They offer more freedom and independence for your loved one, while still providing the supervision and care they may need. Residents at Holladay Park Plaza, and other retirement homes around the word, will essentially enjoy an independent lifestyle while still being offered customized support and care that they may need.
It should be noted that, unlike long-term care homes, the costs of retirement homes are not subsidized, and residents have to personally cover all costs and expenses. Although there are not so many stringent requirements, it should be important that a retirement home has a competent administration and management, and professional staff to handle the day-to-day itinerary of your loved one.
It is better to spend some time examining the community and how they treat the residents before deciding on which retirement home to choose from.
The types of retirement homes include
- Adult Communities: these are intended for seniors over age 50, who are looking for senior care facilities to socialize and engage in planned events and other organized activities, in addition to different levels of assistance as needed.
- Independent living retirement homes: these communities are for seniors who are still living at home, but want to get away from daily household work. They are meant for seniors who are still fully needed in their domestic life but need added support to continue living independently.
A retirement home does not only have to be about the residence and a gated environment. Professional staff, comfort, luxury, amenities, and a well-maintained environment are very important for the long-term needs of your loved ones.
Which should you choose?
It is always best to consider the needs of your loved ones when it comes to finding senior living facilities that are compatible with what they want. Do research, do some background checks, consult experts if you have to, visit the location, and interact with staff and residents. Nothing is too small to be overlooked when it comes to the right place for your loved ones to live out their golden years.
- What are their preferences?
- What are their needs?
- What is their personality?
These are very important to consider, as they’re the ones staying there and not you. If it is a retirement home, check how their food is and if there are special provisions for those with special needs. Look out for mundane things like how they keep the environment tidy, and do they leave things scattered about. Is the bathroom slippery? This can be problematic as it may lead to slipping and falling.
Background checks are also good. Is there a history of violation? Are there any suspicious activities going on that may raise a concern? You can also contact the relatives of past residents to get their views on the retirement home. Accreditation and certifications are also good ways to ascertain how well it is administered. A simple Google search will give you all the information and extra sources you need to conduct a thorough investigation.
At the end of the day, a well-informed decision cannot be taken without following these steps. Knowing what is best for your loved ones is the ultimate decider of how they will leave out their years. A place where they are provided with long-term support is a win-win and it assures you that they’re being well taken care of.
