Question

What roles do nursing homes play in providing rehabilitation and extended care for functionally disabled persons? Is the optimal approach, or can you suggest a different model based on current trends? Under what circumstances is it appropriate to consider nursing home placement for an elderly parent or guardian? Is placement in assisted living or in home care always a superior choice?

Answer 1

Two of the best-known types of residential senior care are assisted living communities and nursing homes. One way to characterize the difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities is to describe the former as more hospital-like and the latter as more home-like.

Long-term skilled nursing care is often needed for people with chronic medical conditions, severe pain or permanent disabilities. "In general, skilled nursing care, whether it's short or long-term, is for those individuals requiring round-the-clock care,”“Skilled nursing facilities are highly regulated, licensed and inspected by state and federal agencies." For instance, a skilled nursing facility would be appropriate for a patient with a feeding tube, but an assisted living community would not.