Are you wondering where your loved one may spend their later years? Have you noticed both cognitive and physical challenges beginning to emerge? Then finding a place that can meet your loved one’s long-term care needs, as well as being able to afford it, can be a challenge. Be aware that two of the most common options for senior living when a person needs care are nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Therefore, learning the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing for your loved one can help ensure that your loved one will receive the right care while also safeguarding a lifetime of savings. Now be mindful that this is where the expertise of a Florida elder law attorney becomes invaluable. Your experienced Florida elder law attorney can not only help you find the care facility you need for your loved one but also be sure that there are ways to afford it without fully impoverishing your family. We want to give you more important information right here in our blog.
Let’s start with ALFs, Assisted Living Facilities. ALFs are designed for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities but wish to live as independently as possible. ALFs offer a combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs of people who need help with the activities of daily living. Typically services include:
- Meals and housekeeping
- Assistance with personal care
- Medication management
- Social and recreational activities
Usually residents live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. The environment is often less medically oriented than a nursing home and focuses more on providing a community feel.
However, in contrast, a nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is designed for individuals who require 24-hour supervision and medical assistance. Most often residents share rooms and are served meals in a central dining area unless they are too ill to participate. Nursing homes provide a wide range of health and personal care services, including:
- Full-time nursing care
- Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
- Care for chronic conditions or for short-term convalescent or rehabilitative care
The care is generally more intensive and medical in nature than that provided in an assisted living facility.
So what are the primary differences between these two types of facilities which may also include a combination of the following factors:
- Care level. While nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, assisted living offers personal care in a more home-like, community setting.
- Independence level. Residents in assisted living can maintain a more independent lifestyle, while nursing homes are better suited for those who require constant medical attention.
- Expense level. Generally, nursing homes are more expensive due to the higher level of care and medical attention provided.
We know that navigating the complex landscape of elder care options can be challenging. A Florida elder law attorney can provide invaluable guidance in understanding the various care options and the associated legal and financial implications. They can assist with:
- Long-term care planning, including the selection of the right facility
- Preserving your assets while ensuring quality care
- Understanding and organizing the necessary legal documents
- Medicaid planning and applications
You will be able to find the care your loved one needs while protecting their lifetime of savings when you work with a Florida elder law attorney. They can take a crucial role in being sure that the later years of your loved one are spent with the best possible care and peace of mind
Finally, the decision between a nursing home and an assisted living facility will depend on the needs and preferences of your loved one. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial in making an informed choice that is in keeping with your loved one’s care needs and financial situation. A Florida elder law attorney can be your ally in navigating these choices, ensuring that your loved one makes the best decision for their unique circumstances. With the right help and information, your loved one can find a supportive and comfortable environment for their golden years.
We know this article raises more questions than it answers. We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Jupiter, as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Our law firm will guide you through legal challenges involving elder law, estate planning, trusts, veterans benefits, real estate, and more. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with our attorneys.