When the time comes for you or a loved one to make decisions about assisted living communities and skilled nursing centers, knowing all the facts is vital to making the right decision. This includes having a clear understanding of the needs of the potential resident, as well as the services that are available at each kind of community.
For example, those who are in need of higher levels of care would get the most benefit from a skilled nursing center, while others may find the greater independence and varied levels of care found at an assisted living community to be the right fit.
In addition to knowing the best fit, having the hard facts about each kind of facility is important. There are, unfortunately, quite a few misconceptions about both assisted living and skilled nursing centers. To ensure everyone is able to find the care and living situation that is best suited for them, let’s separate fact from the myth concerning assisted living communities and skilled nursing centers.
Common Assisted Living Myths
The benefits of living in an assisted community are many — including excellent amenities, individual care plans and a full social calendar full of activities that residents can choose to participate in. However, there are many misconceptions about assisted living communities that could keep some from considering them as an option.
Myth 1: Assisted Living Means Losing Independence
The Myth: Residents are entirely dependent on staff for daily activities.
The Facts: Assisted living communities focus on supporting residents’ independence by offering individualized care plans that are tailored to the needs of each resident. Daily activities and participation in community events are entirely controlled by each individual, allowing residents to live their lives as they choose.
Myth 2: Assisted Living Is Too Expensive
The Myth: Only wealthy individuals can afford assisted living.
The Facts: Costs for assisted living communities vary, and there are many options available to meet different financial needs and situations. Some of these options include long-term care insurance, all-inclusive pricing models and state-funded programs at communities that accept the Medicaid waiver.
Myth 3: Limited Care Is Provided in Assisted Living
The Myth: Assisted living facilities only offer minimal support.
The Facts: The beauty of assisted living can be seen in the individual care that each resident receives. Care is provided on a scale ranging from basic assistance to comprehensive, and care plans can change based on evolving medical needs. Residents have easy access to medical professionals and medication management options, as well as long-term physical, mental and emotional wellness opportunities.
If you think an assisted living community is the right fit for your loved one, VOANS has seven assisted living communities across the country that can meet their needs. Reach out to learn more!
Common Myths About Skilled Nursing Centers
Those who need higher levels of care and assistance can live fulfilling and enriching lives with the help of skilled nursing centers. VOANS has six excellent skilled nursing communities, all of which aim to provide the individualized medical care that residents need within a vibrant community setting. Unfortunately, just as with assisted living communities, there are some myths that can make skilled nursing centers less appealing to some.
Myth 1: Skilled Nursing Centers Are the Same as Hospitals
The Myth: Residents live in a sterile, clinical environment with no personal touches.
The Facts: Skilled nursing centers combine medical care with a homelike atmosphere, with touches like personalized rooms, welcoming communal spaces for residents to bond and interact as well as options for a variety of recreational activities.
Myth 2: Skilled Nursing Centers Are Only for Long-Term Care
The Myth: These centers are only for individuals needing permanent residence.
The Facts: While long-term care is an aspect of skilled nursing centers, they also offer short-term care, rehabilitation and respite care. These options are most often used for those in need of post-surgery recovery programs, physical therapy or short-term rehabilitation services. Skilled nursing centers are also able to provide family caregiver support by offering short-term stay options.
Myth 3: Life in a Skilled Nursing Center Is Boring and Isolated
The Myth: Residents have little to do and limited social opportunities.
The Facts: Not only do skilled nursing centers provide a diverse range of social programs, activities and events, residents are able to choose what they would like to participate in. These can include anything from group activities to specialized programs based on residents’ interests and holiday celebrations. Importantly, the active communal spaces in skilled nursing centers allow residents to socialize and gather with friends outside of planned activities.
Making Informed Decisions
Even when you know the truths instead of the myths about assisted living communities and skilled nursing centers, it can still be difficult to decide on what’s best for someone you love. There are many tips for evaluating senior living communities, including touring the facilities, researching the offered services and amenities, asking for cost breakdowns and assessing proximity to other loved ones and friends.
When you have as much information as possible, you and your loved one will be able to make the best and most informed decision.
Separating Myths from Facts for Confident Choices
When you know the facts, rather than the common myths, about assisted living communities and skilled nursing centers, making the right choice becomes much easier. You and your loved one can be confident in finding the right social options, level of care and environment to make the transition and new living arrangement as smooth and beneficial as possible.
If you have additional questions about the right assisted living community or skilled nursing centers, VOANS can help you find the answers and ideal care options.
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