Nursing Home Alternatives

An Overview of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Home Health

There are three options for senior citizens that require special care. There are nursing homes, assisted living centers and home health care. If you are new to senior care, you may not understand all the differences between these three options or which option is best for your loved one.

Let's first take a look at nursing home care. A nursing home is a residential facility where senior citizens receive round the clock care. There are nurses on hand at all times to dispense medication and attend to the medical needs of the residents. Nursing homes are the most strict of the three options.

An assisted living center is somewhat like a nursing home yet offers senior citizens more independence. Rather than receiving constant supervision and care, seniors at assisted living centers are able to stay active and care for themselves. However, if they need help or require emergency medical assistance, it is there for them. Many assisted living centers are like communities which have fitness centers, swimming pools, beauty salons and other amenities for residents to enjoy. An assisted living facility is a good choice for seniors who do not want to live alone but also do not want to live in a nursing home.

Home health care is exactly what it sounds like. A senior citizen receiving home health care stays at home. A home health care worker or workers will come to the residence and provide medical care.

Sometimes, home health care workers take care of other duties like cooking and feeding, bathing, helping the patient get dressed, cleaning house and running errands. Some senior citizens require home health care round the clock, which takes more than one worker who trade off. Other seniors don't need 24-hour care and have their worker come on a part-time basis.

Before making any decision regarding nursing home care, home health care or an assisted living facility, you should do plenty of research and consider what best suits the needs of your loved one. Comparing the pros and cons of each situation can help you figure out what is the best choice for you and your elderly relative.