What Do Nursing Home Services Include?

Retirement is a wonderful time for older adults to discover themselves. They can live life on their own time and pursue only the things they wish to. Some prefer to pick up old hobbies or hone their existing skills. Others like to pursue new interests or learn about things they never had the time to do before they retired. Many prefer to simply relax and enjoy life at a slower pace. However they decide to spend their time, they deserve to live the best possible life in retirement as possible. Many reach a point where this can only be achieved with the help of aging services.

Advanced age is often accompanied by an increased level of need. This level of assistance can often only be effectively provided by some level of senior care. However, there are many levels of senior care, and aging people and their families are often uncertain of which level is right for them. Many people view a “nursing home” as the natural next step for their aging loved one. However, the term “nursing home” can be loaded, and often does not mean what people assume it does. Read on for a definition of the term and a breakdown of various levels of senior living lifestyles and care options.

Nursing Homes

Senior living communities are lumped under the umbrella term “nursing homes,” oftentimes inaccurately. For instance, film and television often depict independent or assisted living communities as “nursin g homes.” In reality, independent living communities generally do not offer nursing services at all, and assisted living communities may or may not. The term “nursing home” generally refers to skilled nursing. Skilled nursing entails a high level of medical supervision for both short- and long-term cases. This degree of medical attention is generally only needed to treat injuries or more severe medical conditions.

If you think your loved one may need some assistance with daily tasks but can generally live independently, assisted living may be more appropriate for them. Conversely, if they are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia that is affecting their memory and cognitive function, but they do not require medical supervision for an injury or chronic illness, memory care may be better for them.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a care level that provides residents with skilled aides who can assist them with the activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, or taking medications. This support allows them to live life as independently as possible outside of the direct assistance they need. They are generally allowed to live in their own apartments and plan their days as they see fit.

Memory Care

This care level is designed for people afflicted with various forms of dementia. They may undergo severe mood swings or be prone to wandering. Memory care employs aides trained in dealing with dementia so that residents can live as safely as possible, with aides at the ready if they begin to wander or need assistance with more severe behavior.

If you would like to learn more about a Freeport senior home offering both assisted living and memory care, call WinnPrairie today at 815-656-4800 or contact us online.