Many people find themselves needing long-term care. Home health, assisted living, and nursing homes are the three main types of long-term care facilities people typically consider. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Learn more in this helpful guide to the three main types of long-term care.
The 3 Main Types of Long-Term Care Facilities Explained
Understanding care options can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Keep in mind that there are other and hybrid options, and that you can switch from one to another at any time if our needs change.
1. Home Health Care
For people who want to stay in their own homes and communities, home care is a viable option. Consider some of its pros and cons:
- Cost: Home healthcare is often an affordable option. However, your insurance may not cover it long-term. So, unless you have long-term care insurance or another form of assistance, the cost can get overwhelming.
- Independence: You stay in your own home this way, which is a huge plus for many older adults. However, it can lead to some isolation as your needs increase.
- Personalization: One-on-one care is incredibly personalized, so you get exactly the care you need without services you do not. This applies to everything from the brand of cleaner used on your laundry to the meals your assistant prepares.
Another consideration is the level of care needed. Staying at home may limit your access to certain medical equipment or services that are readily available in nursing facilities.
2. Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities provide personalized care plans for residents who maintain a moderate level of independence. These centers remove some of the independence associated with home care, but they also provide a wealth of benefits, including:
- Help with ADLs: Staff provides assistance with activities of daily living and general household chores, such as housekeeping and meal preparation.
- Moderate supervision: You can relax knowing that someone is available and keeping an eye on you. For example, if you were to fall, help would be there very quickly.
- Planned activities: Isolation is not as common in assisted living since staff works hard to keep residents engaged and active.
- Safety features: Senior assisted living centers are closely regulated by the state. They must include safety features that minimize risks, such as call buttons and grab bars.
If you are not sure about the institutional feel of an assisted living facility, you might find residential care more appealing. Residential care centers are similar to assisted living facilities, but they provide a more home-like feel. They are typically much smaller in size, and residents get very personalized care.
3. Skilled Nursing Care
Nursing homes are a safe choice for individuals who need medical care in addition to assistance with ADLs. They are tightly regulated at both the state and federal levels to ensure proper care and safety procedures. You may choose a nursing home for long-term care or for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. Some things to be aware of if you are considering a nursing home include:
- Access to around-the-clock medical care: Nursing facilities provide full support for complex conditions. Staff have special medical training and cna handle feeding tubes, wound care, and IV medications.
- Institutional setting: Patients in a nursing home may find it is more like a hospital than a home.This goes hand-in-hand with the medical care and equipment. Although all medical care is personalized, you may notice a lack of individual attention.
- Planned activities: Skilled nursing facilities offer a limited number of activities for patients. Many patients have mobility or cognitive difficulties, so the activities are typically geared to address those.
A nursing home has a registered nurse on staff at all times. They also have doctors who oversee all care decisions. Some have the doctor on-site while others rely on an on-call system.
How To Choose a Long-Term Care Facility That Works for You
With these different types of long-term care facilities, you may feel unsure about how to choose the right one. Every person is unique, and therefore there is no one formula for success. However, you can follow some basic tips to navigate the process of finding the right type of long-term senior care.
Analyze Your Budget
A good place to start is by looking at the costs of different types of long-term care facilities and seeing which one fits best into your budget. Depending on your choice, there may be assistance available. Some ways seniors pay for long-term care include:
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Retirement savings
Another option is to use equity from a home. For example, if you are planning to sell your home to move to an assisted living facility, you can potentially use the proceeds to cover those costs. However, this may not be a long-term solution depending on your situation.
Identify Your Individual Care Needs
The level and type of care you need will play a large part in your decision. Keep in mind that it’s usually best to try to anticipate future needs instead of focusing on your current condition. For example, if you have ongoing medical concerns, then skilled nursing or a home health nurse may be a better fit than assisted living.
Consider the Facility’s Location
Location matters when choosing a long-term care facility. Ideally, you can go to a senior care center that is near your current home. For example, if you have always lived in the St, Louis area, then you might want to search for senior living in Independence, MO, or another nearby town. This allows you to maintain connections to friends and activities after your move.
Finding one closer to children or grandchildren is another great option. By prioritizing family, you have an immediate connection in your new community. Plus, you will likely build friendships with other residents as you participate in activities.
Get Help Understanding What the 3 Main Types of Long-Term Care Facilities Are
Westbrook Care Center provides comprehensive residential care alongside independent living for seniors. Contact us to get help understanding what the three main types of long-term care are and how our system allows you to transition to receiving assistance as it is needed. Schedule a tour of our Kearney, MO, senior community today.