As we age, it’s not uncommon to require some extra assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. When this time comes, many seniors and their families turn to assisted living facilities to provide the necessary care and support. However, there are different types of assisted living facilities available, including residential assisted living and large assisted living. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision.
Residential Assisted Living:
Residential assisted living, also known as adult family homes, is a smaller-scale assisted living option. These facilities are typically located in residential neighborhoods and have a maximum capacity of 6-10 residents. The living environment is more homelike, with private or shared bedrooms, communal living spaces, and shared bathrooms. Caregivers, also known as “hosts,” live on-site and provide 24-hour care and supervision.
Benefits of Residential Assisted Living:
- Personalized Care: With fewer residents, caregivers in residential assisted living facilities can provide more individualized care and attention to each resident’s needs.
- Homelike Environment: The smaller scale of residential assisted living facilities creates a more intimate and homelike environment, making it easier for residents to feel comfortable and at ease.
- Lower Staff-to-Resident Ratio: With fewer residents, there are typically fewer staff members on-site, which can lead to a lower staff-to-resident ratio. This means caregivers can provide more one-on-one attention to each resident.
- Family Atmosphere: The smaller size of residential assisted living facilities creates a family-like atmosphere, with caregivers and residents often forming close bonds.
Large Assisted Living:
Large assisted living facilities, on the other hand, are larger in scale, with a capacity of 100 or more residents. They typically offer more amenities and services than residential assisted living, such as on-site dining options, transportation services, and activity programs. Staff members work in shifts to provide around-the-clock care and support.
Benefits of Large Assisted Living:
- More Amenities: Large assisted living facilities often offer more amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, beauty salons, and libraries.
- Social Opportunities: With a larger resident population, there are more opportunities for socialization and community involvement, including organized events and outings.
- Specialized Care: Large assisted living facilities may offer specialized care for specific health conditions, such as memory care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Greater Staff Resources: With more staff members on-site, large assisted living facilities can provide a higher level of care and support to residents.
Factors to Consider:
When choosing between residential assisted living and large assisted living, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Level of Care Required: The level of care required by your loved one should be a primary consideration. Residential assisted living may be a better option for those requiring more personalized care, while large assisted living may be a better option for those needing more specialized care.
- Budget: The cost of assisted living can vary widely, with residential assisted living generally being less expensive than large assisted living. Consider your budget and what services and amenities are most important to you.
- Location: The location of the facility is also an important consideration, as it can impact the level of support from family and friends.
In conclusion, both residential assisted living and large assisted living have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider the individual needs and preferences of your loved one when choosing between these options. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a facility where your loved one feels comfortable, safe, and well-cared for.