As the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues to unfold, please be assured that the health and safety of our residents and team members remain our number one priority. In the midst of our work to put safety first for residents, employees, and families, our deeply experienced staff are committed to helping keep residents safe and thriving. At Saritacelestec Homes, we take our responsibility to support seniors and their families seriously, and we are especially committed to continuing to do so during this time.

Assisted living falls somewhere between an independent living community and a skilled nursing facility in terms of the level of care provided. It is a good solution for those who need some assistance with ADLs, but can still live somewhat independently and want to retain that independence as long as possible. That being said, some seniors will be better suited for a different senior living option. Below, we explain how assisted living compares to other common senior living options.

Since assisted living communities are not regulated nationally, there are some differences in the exact services and standards delivered across the country and facility-to-facility. Our staff members are requried to undergo more than 24 hours of training, while others have zero training requirements.

These include personal care services in the form of assistance with activities of daily living such as:

• Eating
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Walking
• Medication management

In addition to personal care, just about every assisted living community in the country offers the following services:

• Prepared meals
• Housekeeping
• Cleaning services
• Organized activities

Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with some tasks—such as bathing, meal preparation, and dressing—but who do not require constant nursing care. Assisted living communities are not synonymous with “nursing homes.” As opposed to a nursing home that is focused on offering round-the-clock nursing care from certified nursing staff, an assisted living community is a thriving and vibrant environment with licensed care services when needed.

Sometimes, a loved one needs more care than assisted living can provide. In this case, we would recommend a skilled nursing facility.

Nursing homes are for people who require significant medical care, such as a specialized line for IV medications, a ventilator, respiratory therapy, or have a stage 3–4 pressure ulcer (bed sore). Essentially, any senior who needs medical treatment that requires the care of a registered nurse around the clock or daily therapy services will need a skilled-care setting.

A stay in a skilled nursing facility is akin to a hospital stay. It is often temporary, with the goal being rehabilitating a patient and then moving him or her to assisted living or back home. A nursing home may be a permanent placement for a person with significant physical or medical needs.

To ensure you are making the best recommendation, we recommend you visit local assisted living communities. Meeting the staff, residents, and even family members is one of the best ways to learn about the community. You can contact any one of our communities for a tour and to arrange a meeting with our Care Services Manager.
If your patient is concerned about the cost of assisted living, you can direct them to our overview and comparative analysis of assisted living costs.