Every senior has a unique story and situation. What works for one family may not for another. When searching for senior care options for your loved one, two options to consider are group homes and assisted living communities. Here’s what you need to know about both to make a more informed decision for your family.
About Senior Group Homes
Also called:
- Residential care homes
- Board and care homes
- Adult family homes
Senior group homes are not the same as nursing homes (skilled nursing care facilities). Instead, they are communities where older adults can live together in a homelike environment, with a generous staff-to-resident ratio. Staff members who are trained to assist residents with their individual needs, housekeeping, and similar services. Compared to other retirement communities, senior group homes have less structure and offer fewer organized social activities.
The pricing for these residential care homes is often less than other residential care facilities. That said, they are most often private pay only, although some locations are covered by Medicaid.
Services and amenities:
- Intimate setting
- Smaller number of residents
- Encourages social interactions
About Assisted Living Communities
Also called:
- Assisted living facilities
- ALFs
Everyone needs a little help now and again. For older adults who require assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs, however, making the move to an assisted living community can be the right choice. Assisted living is a senior living community for older people who require daily assistance with their personal care needs, like toileting, medication management, or getting dressed. Assisted living communities are larger facilities compared to group homes. Because these communities are larger, they often offer more amenities and floor plans, including completely private rooms.
Many people pay for assisted living through long-term care insurance and Medicaid (with some exceptions). Medicare does not typically cover either assisted living or group home costs unless medical care is required.
Services and amenities:
- Help with daily tasks
- Common areas for socialization
- Regular calendar of events
- On-site facilities like beauty salons
Which Senior Living Option is Right for Your Family Member?
Group home vs assisted living: which level of care is right for your family? Both senior group homes and assisted living communities are ideal locations for older adults who have disabilities and/or require some daily personal care services. Group homes, however, are better suited for seniors who would enjoy a more intimate setting and have the means to pay for living arrangements out of pocket. Assisted living facilities are better for older people who are on Medicaid and who have more specialized medical care needs, such as those living in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss.
Wondering which living situation is best? Contact Avista today. We can walk you through our senior living options and help you find a senior living community near you.