Cognitive function and the ability to take care of one’s self are factors considered when creating the best living environment for seniors. Families struggle with decisions about whether their parents should stay at home with a nurse or if moving into a senior community would be better. For some, the choice is out of their hands, and their parent’s declining health requires fast action. The differences between assisted living and home care show how these services work for seniors and allow families to make well-informed decisions.
Life in a Community
In assisted living in Sun City, AZ, all residents are a part of the community, and everyone is treated appropriately. All residents get a nurturing and friendly living environment where they aren’t alone or isolated. When staying in the family home, the only chances a senior gets to visit with others is if they have friends and loved ones that come to the home.
At-home care gives the senior one nurse for the day and one nurse at night as needed, but this is not the same as living in a community with other people in the same age group that have similar life histories. At-home nurses are often the only contact with another person many seniors have on a daily basis, and there is almost always at least one generation gap between the senior and their nurse.
Privacy and Its Importance
Major concerns for seniors when deciding if they want to move into a community are freedom, independence, and privacy. Retired seniors follow their own schedules, do what they want, and make their own choices about their lives.
The fear of losing these freedoms and privacy is the most common reason seniors choose to stay in their own homes. An at-home nurse must also follow a routine according to their client’s needs and their current work schedule. In comparison, assisted living communities offer private living spaces, and residents aren’t restricted to someone else’s work schedule.
Challenging Medical Needs
As dementia progresses, the person regresses to earlier stages of life. Unfortunately, in the final stage, the person loses their ability to speak and manage bodily functions on their own, and they become bedridden.
The brain disease is unpredictable, and how it affects one person doesn’t dictate how another person’s brain responds to the disease. Unpredictable changes make meeting their healthcare needs more difficult for families and caregivers. Nurses in assisted living are often trained to provide care for residents with dementia.
Access to Healthcare Services
Senior communities offer access to memory care services, and even if a senior lives independently, these services are available. The purpose of memory care is to improve recollection and focus on tasks the person does every day.
Activities, puzzles, and games are fun and entertaining ways to complete the services. In a community, the resident gets more encouragement to participate in activities that improve cognitive function and keep them healthier longer. At-home nurses aren’t likely to provide these services for clients.
The Effects of Isolation
The quality of life and mental fitness of a senior diminishes if they remain in the family home and become isolated. Isolation increases loneliness, depression, and anxiety. An elderly person who has been isolated for many years becomes paranoid around others and is often diagnosed with agoraphobia.
At-home nursing care gives the person one companion during the nurse’s work shift. While they socialize with their nurse, the client is less likely to go out of the house and visit with others in their own age group. A senior community gives plenty of access to like-minded residents who prevent isolation and loneliness.
The Cost of Purchasing Equipment for the Home
Shower railings, seats, and benches are required for a parent’s home when they have serious mobility issues. The family may also face the cost of replacing a bathtub shower combination with a walk-in shower.
When comparing costs between home care and assisted living, the loved ones find that communities have these fixtures available to residents, and the senior or their family pays one monthly fee for the amenities. The rate of cognitive decline gives the family an estimate of how long their parent will use these new fixtures, and this may show if it’s worth the financial investment.
Help for Seniors
At The Gardens of Sun City, we present a loving and nurturing environment for all residents and encourage residents to live independently for as long as possible. Our community is filled with wonderful people that make it easier for seniors to socialize and make new friends. Aren’t sure where your elderly loved one should live? Visit our community today to see for yourself how comfortable our residents are.