Key Differences Between Nursing Homes and Senior Living Communities

What image comes to mind when you think about senior living? Families are often only familiar with a nursing home and assume it is reserved for those needing elder care.  

However, one look at the services and the many senior living types available and you’ll happily discover that today’s communities match today’s seniors.  

If you or a loved one is looking for an active but easier lifestyle, a helping hand with daily tasks, or care to remain safe and engaged, you may be surprised to learn there is a senior living community designed to meet these needs and preferences.  

Key Differences Between Nursing Homes and Senior Living Communities  

Older adults do not have to settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. While you may not have realized there were so many options, today’s senior living communities are personalized to deliver the services and care desired.  

A nursing home, otherwise referred to as skilled nursing, is one type of senior living community available. However, they are far from the only choice. These communities provide a 24/7 level of care. If your family is considering senior living options, take a moment to consider the following to determine if this might be the appropriate choice:  

1. Your loved one is living with one or more chronic conditions, mobility issues or frailty. 

2. Around-the-clock access to care is required.  

3. Living at home is no longer possible. 

4. 24/7 professional care is required while the primary caregiver is temporarily absent. 

5. You or a loved one is being discharged from the hospital after an injury or surgery but is not quite ready to go home. 

If this level of care and attention is not required, there are additional senior living community options to consider. You’ll soon discover there may indeed be a perfect choice for everyone. 

Senior Living Community Choices: Independent Living 

Older adults who are ready for an easier but active lifestyle may discover independent living is the right answer. Residents in these senior living communities enjoy not only freedom from maintenance and upkeep but the ease of living in an accessible home designed for aging-in-place. Their existing home might require expensive renovations to match the move-in-ready residence of independent living. 

It can also become more difficult to meet new people as we grow older. Loneliness or social isolation can occur as the opportunities to meet others and form friendships can be a challenge. But another great benefit? Senior living communities offer amazing opportunities to engage with others in a wide variety of activities and social events. Everything is offered on-site so those who no longer drive won’t need to worry about missing out.  

Senior Living Community Choices: Assisted Living 

If you or a loved one needs a helping hand but not around-the-clock services, you may want to consider the advantages of an assisted living community. 

It’s not uncommon to need help with a few of the daily tasks as we grow older and you’ll discover a well-trained staff to assist when needed. If bathing safely, grooming, managing medications or eating healthy have become more of a challenge, assisted living can make life easier. 

Residents in these senior living communities enjoy a lifestyle that no longer requires them to manage a household or arrange and oversee repairs. With the activities, wellness programs and social events provided at the community, you or a loved one will be supported to once again live an engaged life. 

Senior Living Community Choices: Memory Care 

Those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may be living at home with a relative who is filling the role of primary caregiver. However, as the disease progresses, the care needs also increase and many families find they can no longer provide the level of attention needed to keep their loved one safe – and living a quality life. 

Memory care communities provide their residents with a secure, comfortable and engaging environment. The residences and common areas are designed to lessen frustration while promoting freedom of movement and independence. 

These communities tailor their activities and therapy programs to meet the needs and personal preferences of their residents. Staff are specially trained in the best practices of dementia care and are skilled in interacting and supporting those living with cognitive impairment. 

Life at a Milestone Community 

If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life. 

We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team – who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and an elevated secured courtyard. 

Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed. 

In addition to our personalized services, we offer: 

·       Chef-prepared meals 

·       Full-service dining room and bistro/bar 

·       Clubroom with large screen and theater style seating 

·       Family gathering room 

·       Rooftop courtyard including outdoor kitchen and firepit 

·       Resident accessible chef’s kitchen garden 

·       Senior-inspired fitness center 

·       Hair and nail salon 

·       Resident-shared laundry rooms 

·       Elegantly designed common areas 

·       24-hour on-duty care staff 

·       Scheduled transportation 

·       Secured community 

·       Direct access to adjoining walking paths and parks 

Senior Living Options Guide 

If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour.  

Find out more about the care options senior living communities offer. Download our free Senior Living Options guide.