Nursing homes are known by many different terms: convalescent home, rest home, and long-term care center are just a few. In the past 20 years, nursing homes have also added short-term rehabilitation to their services, creating even more confusion. Now this type of community is often referred to as a skilled nursing facility.
What do these communities offer? And how are they different?
We answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you better understand.
Skilled nursing is a term that is often used to refer to short-term rehab at a skilled nursing and rehab center. If a senior has been hospitalized for a hip replacement surgery, for example, they might transition to a skilled nursing and rehab center to continue recuperating. The patient’s goal is to get back on their feet and return home. This type of unit rehab is typically located within a nursing home.
By contrast, seniors in the long-term care section of a nursing home are likely there permanently. They live with a chronic condition that requires around-the-clock care and supervision from a skilled health professional. Onsite caregivers provide support with everything from respiratory therapy to wound care and diabetes management.
If the senior transfers to a skilled nursing facility for a week or two, they can participate in therapy and rest under the watchful eye of skilled caregivers 24/7.
But if an older adult needs less complex rehab and they are in otherwise good health, an outpatient rehab center might be a good fit.
An assisted living community is a type of care for older adults who need a little extra help with personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting) or medication management. Having a caregiver’s support with these types of tasks allows older adults to live independently in their own suite or apartment. They are able to enjoy a wide range of life enrichment activities and wellness programs offered at most assisted living communities.
A resident of a skilled nursing facility, however, needs assistance with more than just personal care and medication management. It might be a senior who has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that requires around-the-clock support from a nurse or respiratory therapist. Even with assistance, they aren’t able to live independently.
Are you considering Skilled Nursing for your loved one? Read more about potential costs and payment options.
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Elmcroft Senior Living offers a variety of different senior living options to meet unique needs. Continue reading to explore more information about each type Elmcroft offers.
