As loved ones age, determining the best living situation for them can be a difficult decision. Should they move to an assisted living facility or maintain independence in their own home? It’s important to understand the differences between assisted living and independent living in order to make an informed choice. Quality Life Services in Western Pennsylvania is here to help you understand the differences between assisted living, independent living, and the Personal Home Care Services we offer for you or your loved ones. Keep reading to find out more and just how we can help provide quality care.
Understanding the Differences Between Assisted Living and Independent Living
Assisted living and independent living are two types of housing options available for older adults who may require some level of assistance or wish to live independently.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities provide support and care services for individuals who may need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication management. These facilities often offer a range of amenities and social activities to promote a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.
Independent Living
Independent living is designed for seniors who are able to live on their own but may desire a community atmosphere and access to various amenities and services. Independent living communities offer an independent lifestyle with the added benefits of maintenance-free living, dining options, recreational activities, and opportunities for socialization. Both assisted living and independent living options provide older adults with a supportive and enriching environment based on their individual needs and preferences.
Assisted Living Or Personal Care?
Understanding the distinction between personal care and assisted living can often be perplexing.
The main differentiating factor lies in the availability of healthcare services within the facility.
In a personal care community, residents have access to a dedicated healthcare center, which was formerly known as skilled nursing. This means that if residents require specialized medical attention, such as medication management or assistance with complex medical procedures, they can conveniently receive these services on-site, within the organization itself.
On the other hand, an assisted living community does not have a dedicated health care center. Instead, additional services are brought directly to the resident as long as feasibly possible. This setup allows residents to receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) within the comfort of their own living space. However, if a resident’s health condition reaches a point where they require a more intensive level of care for an extended period of time, they may be transferred to an external healthcare center equipped to handle their specific needs.
What is Personal Home Care?
Personal Home Care, provided by Quality Life Services, is a service to help not only seniors in Western Pennsylvania but also to people with physical, behavioral health, or cognitive disabilities who are unable to care for themselves but do not need nursing home or medical care.
Different companies offer different services to meet the individual needs of their clients, but here are some common tasks that are typically included in the services provided by Personal Care Homes (PCH). These tasks include:
- Assistance with eating and drinking
- Helping clients with walking and getting in and out of bed or chairs
- Aiding in toileting and managing bowel and bladder needs
- Assisting with bathing
- Ensuring personal hygiene
- Arranging for and managing healthcare
- Making and keeping doctor’s appointments
- Helping with or administering medications
- Taking care of laundry
- Arranging transportation
- Managing finances and shopping
- Aiding in using the telephone and writing letters
- Caring for personal possessions
- Supporting participation in social and recreational activities
- Assisting with the use and care of prosthetics and
- Helping with the acquisition and maintenance of seasonal clothing
Personal Care You Can Count On
We understand that making decisions about care options can be overwhelming. Our team is here to provide guidance and support, helping you assess and determine the most suitable type of care for yourself or a loved one. Whether you prioritize access to healthcare services within the community or prefer the convenience of services brought to you, we are committed to helping you make an informed choice that best meets your needs and preferences.
Quality Life Services is a family owned and operated business, meaning we offer personal care with competitive pricing in the Western Pennsylvania area.
Contact us today to find out more.
Image credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock
