Are you a senior citizen who is no longer able to live on your own? Are you worried about what will happen when you can no longer take care of yourself? You may be wondering if assisted living is the right choice for you or your loved one. There are many different types of assisted living facilities, from residential care homes to nursing homes to Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of residential care homes for elderly clients and which one may be the best fit for your needs.
What Is a Residential Care Home?
Also sometimes referred to as a “board and care home,” residential care homes are often private facilities, typically with less than 25 residents. Within the facilities, residents can choose between private or shared suite-style living accommodations, with common areas for gathering and eating nutritious meals, which are provided. Typically, a residential care home has staff around the clock to ensure residents’ needs are met—though nursing and advanced medical care are typically not provided.
What Is an Assisted Living Facility?
Similar to residential care homes in that they provide lodgings, meals, and 24-hour staff, assisted living facilities are for folks who may require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as getting dressed or bathing. Assisted living facilities are typically larger in scale than residential care homes, ranging from 25 residents to upwards of 100. Typically, residents are offered assistance with medication, housekeeping, and laundry, and are welcome to partake in social group activities such as gardening or exercise. These facilities also include a security plan to protect their residents.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A Nursing home, on the other hand, can be as large as an assisted living facility and offer many of the same amenities—but it goes a little further in terms of medical care and attention. This type of medical treatment goes beyond simple medication administration and can include occupational or physical rehabilitation services, speech therapy, and more. Typically, the 24-hour staff is required to possess nursing degrees in order to qualify for employment.
When Does Residential Care Become Nursing Care?
One common question folks have when they’re thinking of retiring to some kind of assisted living facility is the difference between residential care and nursing care. Essentially, a nursing home would be a good fit for residents who may have more complex needs or health issues that require constant monitoring, while residential care would be better for those who would like assistance with basic ADLs. Because the staffing of a nursing home requires employees who are qualified nurses, it is typically a costlier option than a residential care home—but many find the peace of mind and quality care that comes from medically-savvy staff is worth the few extra hundred dollars or so per week.
What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Also sometimes referred to as a “life care community,” a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers a tiered approach to care so that seniors can receive increasing levels of medical assistance as it becomes necessary. In a CCRC community, different areas of the facility are reserved for various levels of care—and some even offer independent living assistance, or home care. With a CCRC, seniors have the option to move into areas of greater assistance as their medical, physical, or cognitive needs develop. As such, CCRC typically provide independent living accommodations (either homes or apartments), assistance with ADLs, and advanced medical care in accordance with each resident’s unique needs.
Which Residential Care Homes are Best?
Now that you know the options for different types of assisted living facilities, you may be better able to narrow down your search—but which types of residential care homes are best? In the following section, we will break down what to look for when making the transition to an assisted living facility to ensure that not only are your needs met, but you are able to thrive as well.
Autonomy
When narrowing down your search for residential care homes for elderly clients, it’s best to look for facilities that offer a certain level of independence for their residents. For many seniors, maintaining their autonomy is an important part of aging with dignity—so look for an assisted living facility that honors the amount of help you request—whether that be tying your shoes or providing complex medical care. Private lodgings are sometimes important to seniors who value remaining independent, so consider if accommodations will be shared or not—and determine what will work for your needs and desires.
Holistic Care
It’s one thing to provide access to 24/7 medical attention, but it’s another for the staff to look for cognition or behavioral changes, isolation, or other mental, emotional, or spiritual needs that might not be getting met as well. Finding a residential care home with a holistic approach to keeping its residents well means that food, socialization, creative expression or pursuit of hobbies, spiritual practice, and mental stimulation are all part of the overarching theme of keeping you in good health.
Community
As important as attentive staffing is in residential care homes for elderly folks, the residents themselves are just as important. What kind of community culture would you like to join? Building relationships in our golden years can not only improve mood and cognition but may even boost our physical health as well. Being discerning about where you end up is an important part of narrowing down the best assisted living situation for your needs. Don’t be afraid to tour the facility at the top of your list, ask questions, and introduce yourself!
Sacramento Residential Care Homes for Elderly
It can seem challenging to confront the changes that come with getting older, such as sifting through residential care homes for elderly clients until you land on the one that’s just right for you. The good news is, as we age, we have many options—from what level of assistance we want to the community we decide to participate in! By looking for residential care homes for elderly folks that are committed to providing their residents with as much autonomy, holistic wellness, and opportunities for community enrichment activities as possible, you will be setting yourself up for a very happy retirement.
Jazba Care is one of Sacramento’s top residential care homes for elderly clients, with a holistic approach to senior wellness as well as attentive, compassionate 24-hour staff capable of meeting your medical needs. Contact us today with questions, or book a tour here!
