Finding the right senior care for your loved one can be tricky. You want to find the highest quality care at the best value in a warm and welcoming environment. There are countless options available, but often their descriptions sound so similar that it is hard to pinpoint the difference.
To help make your search a little easier, we’ve broken down the similarities and differences between a senior group home vs assisted living communities.
Both types of living environments provide safety, security, and companionship. They both specialize in senior care and offer assistance with daily living tasks so seniors can maintain as much independence as possible. However, these terms are not interchangeable.
Read on to find out the key differences between senior group homes and Tinton Falls, NJ assisted living communities.
Senior Group Homes
Senior group homes are a great fit for seniors looking to live in a more traditional home. These smaller, more intimate settings allow residents and staff to know each other very well. For some seniors, the notion of seeing only a few familiar faces so often is comforting, while for others the lack of social options might sound dull.
Group homes typically offer private or semi-private rooms and share cozy common living spaces, like a dining room, living room, and backyard. This is all included inside a typical house, often within a residential neighborhood, that has been specifically designed or retrofitted to accommodate seniors. This allows for some level of privacy, but can make it difficult to entertain visiting friends and family or find time in peaceful solitude.
This type of environment is ideal for seniors who are mostly independent and who enjoy a quiet, more home-like environment to share with several others seniors who have similar needs and preferences.
Daily Life
Meals, laundry, and housekeeping services are included at most group homes so residents are free to spend their time as they wish. However, due to their small size, on-site social programming or events are usually unavailable.
It is usually expected that residents manage their own self care and personal hygiene, though some assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing can be provided if needed. Medication management and scheduled transportation services may or may not be available, this varies on a case-by-case basis and by location.
Available Medical Services
Some group homes may have an on-staff medical professional who is available at certain times of the day or is on-call for emergencies. They have a more generalized approach to health and do not usually offer much specialized care. They do not often facilitate on-site specialty services like physical therapy, however they may offer transportation to and from medical or specialty care appointments.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are larger and accommodate more residents. They typically offer private or semi-private rooms or apartments connected by common living spaces. These shared areas may include an:
- Art studio
- Game Room
- Library
- On-site salon and spa
- Outdoor courtyard
- Walking path
- Much more!
In addition, the Resident Engagement Team creates a vibrant social calendar each month. Some activities - like fitness classes - occur regularly while other special events - like themed dinners and live music - appear on the calendar based on the season, holiday, or resident request. With all of these easily accessible amenities and activities, there is always something to do.
This type of environment is ideal for seniors who want to remain physically and socially active and who may need varying levels of care over time.
Daily Life
With a wide variety of social activities available on a regular basis, there is something fun for everyone in a Tinton Falls, NJ assisted living community. Many people have compared Arbor assisted living communities to life on a cruise ship because the design is top notch and the engagement calendar is packed with exciting activities.
From fitness classes and group excursions in the surrounding community to art instruction and beautifully manicured gardens- everything is designed especially with seniors in mind. Residents can choose how they spend their time, confident that help is available whenever they need it.
Highly trained staff are available to assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, and more. Care is tailored to each individual’s needs, so residents maintain independence while receiving help when and how they need it most.
Available Medical Services
Residents can expect a more personal, customized approach to health in a Tinton Falls, NJ assisted living community. Though available services vary by location, these communities are designed to accommodate a larger volume of residents for extended periods of time. This means an increasing amount of services and specialized care are available as needs change over time.
Advanced care options may be available on the same campus, eliminating the hassle of moving long distances during a vulnerable time. By having access to scalable services, seniors and their loved ones can rest assured that their current and future needs will be taken care of. Professional medical staff are trained to help residents remain happy and healthy throughout their aging journey.
How to Know What Is Right for Your Loved One
Deciding which type of living environment is best for your loved one can be confusing and overwhelming, but it does not have to be. To help families make informed decisions with confidence, we’ve put together a free Complete Guide to Assisted Living.
Filled with insightful facts and questions to consider, this guide will help you gain an even deeper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a group home vs assisted living communities. Download your free guide today.