Difference in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care
- heatherminae
- Jun 8, 2024
- 3 min read
When a family member could use added assistance there are several options for them.
Many times a loved one needs added assistance and living at home or with family is not an option. We can assist you in determining the different types of communities available.
An Independent Living Facility (ILF) offers the least amount of assistance. An ILF is simply any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing varies widely, from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes. An ILF is created for seniors who are independent, however, offer some ease in living their day to day life. For example, many ILF offer a restaurant or salon or even mail center on premises. The residents of the ILF can complete tasks without leaving the property. Some communities offer a meal plan where the residents can go to a dining room for all their meals. They will also have the option of cooking at home if they are interested. An ILF offers a lot of independence living alone but with the safety and convenience of living in a community.
An Assisted Living Facility (ALF) provide full-time living arrangements in the least restrictive and most home-like setting. Facilities can include individual apartments or rooms that a resident has alone or shares with another person. An ALF offers a lot of independence with the assistance to complete daily tasks as needed. ALF has staff available to assist with medications, toileting, bathing, grooming or dressing. Before your family member moves in, it will be discussed on what assistance in needed. This allows your family member to maintain independence. Many ALFs also have a salon or restaurant or dining room available to complete tasks. They also provide transportation for doctor appointments or runs to the store. Its important to discuss with the ALF what activities or trips they offer.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) provides the most assistance of the communities. SNF provides short or long-term skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services to patients. These facilities provide 24-hour medical support to patients requiring transitional care following a qualifying hospital stay for illness, injury, or surgery. Many times after the hospital stay your doctor will recommend a stay at a SNF. You will typically have Physical, Occupation, and/or Speech Therapy to assist in rehabilitating you or your loved one to return back to previous abilities. However, if you, your loved one, or doctors determine additional assistance is necessary than what is offered at home. It maybe suggest your loved one stays at a SNF. At a SNF you could have a single or double room. The staff will assist in completing daily tasks. Like an ALF they can assist in toileting, bathing, grooming and showering. Many times a resident of a SNF requires more assistance than an ALF can provide. The SNF will have staff, nurses and doctors available 24/7 to assist with your loved ones needs.
The last option is Memory Care. Memory Care is as the name suggests. Memory care is used if your loved one is having concerns with their memory. Memory Care provides alarms to maintain the safety of your loved one. This keeps them from wondering and maintain their presence in the community. The staff at a Memory Care Community like the other communities will assist with daily tasks like grooming, bathing, toileting and dressing. Memory Care communities can be attached to a SNF or ALF. They can also be a solo building. The staff at the memory care community can assist in determining if this is the right option for your loved one.
If your loved one is needing assistance or a community that offers options that offer convenience please look into a independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care. One in a Million Senior Living can offer our assistance in locating the right community for your loved on in the Tampa Bay Area. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Heather@oneinamillionseniorliving.com.
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