A transition from assisted living to skilled nursing, also known as a nursing home, can be necessary for seniors who have increasing medical needs, decreasing mobility, and a need for more daily support.
A Skilled nursing community provides around-the-clock medical care, ideal for those who require more intensive health support than assisted living can offer. Often, this transition is prompted by social workers or healthcare professionals who observe residents over time and recommend skilled nursing as better-suited to a person’s physical and cognitive needs.
What is Assisted Living?
An assisted living community provides older adults with a supportive environment for daily activities like grooming, dressing and meal preparation. These communities allow residents to maintain a level of independence, engage in social activities, and enjoy amenities, all while knowing help is close at hand.
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
Typically, those who require help with some daily tasks but don’t need intensive medical care qualify for assisted living. This level of care is ideal for people who can still handle many of their daily routines independently. Seniors in assisted living generally have:
- Moderate Mobility Needs: They may need some help moving around but do not require constant support.
- Routine Medication Management: Most assisted living residents require nurse-administered medications due to cognitive or physical impairments, making professional support a key benefit.
- Basic Personal Care Needs: They may need help with dressing, bathing, or grooming.
- Social & Activity Interests: They enjoy group activities and community living.
What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing communities, commonly referred to as nursing homes, provide more intensive, round-the-clock medical care and support than assisted living. Skilled nursing caters to those with significant medical needs that require professionals on-site for medical and personal assistance.
Who Qualifies for Skilled Nursing Care?
This level of care is suited for residents with complex medical needs that require regular attention and monitoring by medical professionals. Seniors in skilled nursing often have:
- Chronic Health Conditions: These are medical conditions that require daily monitoring and ongoing treatment.
- Extensive Mobility Assistance: They need significant help with movement, often involving specialized equipment.
- Advanced Medication Needs: They require complex medication regimens administered by licensed staff.
- Comprehensive Personal Care: They need help with most or all personal hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
Signs That It’s Time to Move to Skilled Nursing
Sign 1: Increasing Medical Needs
If your loved one’s medical needs have become more significant—requiring frequent treatments, monitoring, or complex medication schedules—a move to skilled nursing may be warranted.
Skilled nursing staff includes registered nurses and trained aides who can manage chronic conditions, provide specialized care, and ensure that medications are administered accurately. This level of care is crucial for conditions like heart disease or advanced respiratory issues that demand continuous monitoring.
When healthcare needs go beyond what assisted living can provide, skilled nursing offers a structured environment to meet medical and daily needs, helping your loved one be comfortable and well-cared for.
Sign 2: Decreased Mobility
A sharp decline in mobility, such as difficulty standing or walking without assistance, often signals a need for a higher level of care. In skilled nursing, residents receive support for mobility needs, whether this means wheelchairs, walking aids, or other adaptive devices.
Moreover, skilled nursing communities are specifically equipped to handle the physical challenges associated with severe mobility issues, helping to prevent falls and injuries through physical support and environment design.
Sign 3: Cognitive Decline
Cognitive challenges often progress as a person ages, making everyday tasks and decision-making difficult for those affected. Assisted living provides some cognitive support, but skilled nursing is better suited for residents with advanced memory issues, offering specialized care to ensure safety.
Skilled nursing communities provide an environment with additional security and specially trained staff who understand how to care for those experiencing cognitive decline. They also offer programs designed to engage residents in ways that keep them safe and comfortable.
While some cognitive decline is expected in seniors, some people experience more serious memory loss, such as dementia. Seniors living with memory loss conditions will benefit more from memory care, as memory care is specifically designed to support those with dementia. Consult your loved one’s healthcare team to determine which lifestyle option is the best fit.
Sign 4: Escalating Need for Daily Assistance
When a loved one requires help with nearly every aspect of daily life, including dressing, bathing, and eating, skilled nursing provides the comprehensive support that they need. This level of care ensures that Mom or Dad’s important routines are maintained with dignity.
Skilled nursing communities have the resources and trained professionals to consistently meet these needs, providing a more suitable environment for those who need help throughout the day.
Sign 5: Frequent Hospital Visits
Frequent hospital or emergency room trips can be a sign that a loved one needs constant, on-site medical care. Skilled nursing teams provide close medical oversight, with staff available to address health issues before escalating to emergencies.
Skilled nursing communities are also often equipped with the tools needed to handle medical events on-site, ensuring that your loved one has immediate support whenever required.
Explore Lifestyle Options at Bethany Village
Choosing the right level of care is a personal and important decision, and Bethany Village is here to help you find the best option for your loved one.
With experienced staff and a supportive environment, we provide compassionate, professional care tailored to each person’s needs. Contact Bethany Village to learn more about our continuing care retirement community, where quality of life and care come together.
