Selecting the right care setting for your loved one is a deeply personal decision that can significantly impact their quality of life. Two common options families often consider are traditional assisted living and smaller residential assisted living. While both offer valuable support for seniors, they differ in their approach, environment, and the level of personalized care they provide.
Concluding this series, we’ll explore a few other key differences between these two types of care settings, helping you better understand how each works and what factors to consider when making the best choice for your loved one’s needs. Let’s take a closer look at how each option can support your loved one in their journey to receive the care they deserve.
Cost Considerations
Traditional Assisted Living: Larger assisted living facilities sometimes offer more affordable options by providing a variety of room types, shared spaces, and standardized services. However, the cost can vary widely depending on location, amenities, and levels of care. Confirm if all cost are included or if there are add ons depending on additional needs during the month. Always talk to facilities about what happens when private pay funds are exhausted.
Residential Assisted Living: Residential homes often have a more inclusive pricing model that covers care, meals, and activities, all provided within a small, home setting. While the cost may be higher, the value lies in the personalized attention, quality of care, and peace of mind for families. Having a consistent bill makes it easier for families to budget. Always talk to facilities about what happens when private pay funds are exhausted.
Approach to Health and Personal Care
Traditional Assisted Living: Many traditional facilities offer varying levels of care, often with specialized wings for memory care or advanced medical needs. However, with more residents to support, individualized attention can sometimes be limited. The care wings or floors often mean that the resident needs to move from one area to another as their care needs change.
Residential Assisted Living: Residential homes are often better suited for seniors who need high levels of assistance with daily activities, especially those with specific needs like mobility challenges, cognitive decline, or conditions like Parkinson’s or ALS. At The Geneva Suites, trained caregivers follow personalized care plans crafted by nurses and occupational therapists, ensuring that each resident’s unique health needs are met with care and dignity.
Finding the Right Fit
When choosing between traditional and residential assisted living, ask yourself:
- What kind of environment would my loved one feel most comfortable in—a larger community with more social opportunities or a smaller, home-like setting?
- Does my loved one need high levels of personalized care that a smaller caregiver-to-resident ratio can provide?
- Is flexibility in daily routine important, or would a structured schedule be more beneficial?
- How important are personalized activities, individual attention, and a familiar setting to my loved one’s well-being?
- What do our finances look like? What happens if our private funds are exhausted?