You might be facing a difficult situation with a loved one that is requiring them to have more attention than they have available at an assisted living facility.
It could have come from normal changes with age or potentially an accident that caused an injury. Whatever the reason is, it is important to know the differences between long-term care and nursing homes so you select the right level of care.
Long-Term Care (or Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Skilled Nursing Facilities (or SNFs) are often the next step somebody takes in recover after a hospital visit. A good example that we commonly see at Senior Living Specialists is your loved one experiences a stroke. After their hospital stay, they will likely need specific recovery associated with a stroke and that specific type of care isn’t available at a nursing home.
One of the biggest differences between an SNF and a nursing home is that wide range of health professionals at an SNF. There is a high likelihood that doctors, nurse practitioners, RNs, and physical therapists will all be available at a Skilled Nursing Facility. At a nursing home, you will likely see only a fraction of that wide ranging medical care.
Nursing Homes
One of the biggest differences in nursing homes compared to long-term care is that the resident is medically capable of being transported to their medical care. A good example is if a diabetic loved one requires dialysis weekly and can comfortably be taken to the appointments, they may only require nursing home care.
Another big difference between the two types of care is the personnel working at each one. Nursing homes will typically see nurses’ aides providing most of the care. There are some nursing homes that might have a doctor on staff but definitely isn’t common practice.
It is important to do the research around the staff and level of care at both facilities along with an evaluation for the level of care a loved one requires. Senior Living Specialists can help with both as we have extensive experience in the DFW area and the care options available to your loved one.
