If you are interested in assisted living for a loved one, there are many communities available. However, they do not all offer the same kind of care. Since there are different types of facilities, it’s essential to understand the various features and amenities each one provides. Here is a brief guide to these residences to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

Understanding Your Assisted Living Options 

Standard Facility 

A typical senior assisted living community offers its residents 24-hour services and monitoring. Placement is meant to be permanent. Many families enjoy this model because of its home-like environment and menu of physical and social activities. 

Services include help with bathing, dressing, and toileting. Residents will also receive assistance with transferring, walking, and prescribed medications. They provide three daily meals, beverages, and snacks. Most standard facilities admit residents who require minimal help evacuating from the community in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. 

A licensed physician oversees each community and employs a staff of nurses or medical aides. The makeup of care staff may vary depending on the place but it is required to employ a licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

Assisted Living With Enhanced Evacuation 

This facility provides the same services and staff as a standard community. In addition, they have the capability to care for residents who require more than minimal assistance during a natural or man-made disaster. If your loved one has a disability or chronic illness, ask an assisted living placement team about the differences between regular and enhanced evacuation plans. 

Memory Care

Memory facilities operate similarly to a regular assisted living community. However, they are also fully equipped to care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The staff is specially trained in administering medications and offering appropriate activities for those with memory challenges. They also understand compassionate bathing, dressing, and toileting techniques for dementia patients.

Skilled Nursing Facility 

Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour, elevated care to more than three residents. Patients may need help with IVs, ventilators, or colostomy bags. This living situation is usually temporary.

While assisted living homes may or may not have a licensed nurse on staff, skilled nursing communities always provide treatment under the supervision of a registered nursing professional. If enhanced care is required on a permanent basis, families may choose a nursing home facility. 

In addition to these common choices, there may be additional types of care for your loved one. If you need help determining the right placement, CarePatrol in Westport, CT, will assist you in finding the ideal community for free. To discover your options for assisted living, call (203) 244-9562 or fill out this form online. Learn more about community financing and residence benefits by following them on Facebook.