Moving From Assisted Living to Nursing Homes

Published on September 8, 2024

Some people use the terms “nursing home” and “assisted living” interchangeably, but these are very different facilities offering different levels of care. An assisted living facility generally offers active seniors a safe living environment in a community setting but with private quarters. They receive regular wellness checks, enroll in meal plans, and have access to medical care, social activities, and outings. A nursing home is a more hospital-like facility where residents receive around-the-clock care. An assisted living facility is an ideal transition for seniors who remain independent but require support, a safe environment, and a safety network.

However, if concerns about safety or quality of care arise, consulting a Phoenix nursing home abuse attorney can help ensure that any issues are addressed and that your loved one’s rights are protected.

Recognizing a Senior’s Increasing Care Needs

Aging happens slowly and the impacts of normal aging build up over time making it increasingly challenging for a senior to live alone. They may develop care needs that exceed the abilities of their loved ones. Aging sometimes accelerates due to adverse medical events. Elderly loved ones in assisted living facilities may go on enjoying a level of independence for years, with an appropriately active lifestyle; however, it’s important for seniors and their loved ones to recognize the signs of increased care needs that signal a need for full-time care. These often include the following:

• Frequent hospitalizations
• A notable decline in health
• Worsening memory problems or dementia that may endanger their safety
• Frequent falls or unexplained injuries
• Increasing care needs to accomplish daily routines for hygiene, dressing, and managing medications
• Needing overnight assistance or 24-hour care
• Developing complex medical conditions that require careful monitoring
• Difficulty eating, such as requiring pureed foods
• Mobility problems that progress to requiring a wheelchair
• Becoming bedridden
• Requiring regular wound care, tube feeding, or intravenous medications

Often, administrators and staff members in assisted living communities will notify the senior citizen and their close family members when an elderly resident’s care needs begin to exceed the facility’s capabilities.

Managing a Transition From Assisted Living to a Nursing Home

When an assisted living facility acknowledges that it cannot meet a resident’s care needs, the caregivers often help the senior and their family to select an appropriate nursing home in the area that can meet the elderly resident’s individual needs. Making the transition to a nursing home can be an emotionally challenging time for an elderly loved one and their family members. It’s important to involve the senior in the decision-making process and acknowledge the validity of their emotions.

It’s important to carefully read the reviews of nursing homes under consideration and contact a local ombudsman to uncover any history of complaints or investigations before selecting a nursing home. Then, once a senior and their family agree on a suitable facility, it’s important to take the time to get to know the staff, personalize the senior’s new space with their favorite belongings, and make frequent visits and wellness checks while they settle in. Then regular visits from loved ones going forward help the elderly family member to know that they know they are still loved, valued, and cherished by their loved ones as they live out their remaining years.