Retirement Community vs. Nursing Home

Retirement Communities

A retirement community can offer many practical benefits to seniors, including:

• Those who are still independent and don’t currently require skilled nursing care
• Seniors who need assistance with daily tasks
• And individuals who could benefit from memory care down the road.

Retirement communities are places where seniors can get the most out of their retirement years. With convenient access to on-campus health amenities, fitness centers, activities, dining, transportation and more, older adults can live more active lifestyles and stay socially engaged in retirement communities.

Types of Retirement Communities

There are several types of facilities and retirement communities to consider based upon the individual needs of the senior. If you or your loved one requires some skilled nursing care, an assisted living community allows individuals and couples to maintain their independence for longer with access to as-needed skilled nursing care. Assisted living facilities provide long-term senior care with support services such as meals, medication management, and personal hygiene assistance. For seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, assisted living with memory care facilities can provide the safe, supportive, and comfortable environment they need during the early stages.

Independent living communities are typically age-restricted, 55 and older, communities with homes and apartments for individuals and couples who want to enjoy their retirement years in the company of their peers. These options free seniors from the responsibilities of home ownership that can become a burden as we age and provide convenient access to a range of amenities and activities. While this can be a great option for seniors who don’t need assistance with daily tasks, it’s important to consider future medical and personal needs. Retirement communities that offer exclusively independent living options might require seniors to move off campus to a more comprehensive care facility if needs change down the road.

To ensure your current and future needs are taken care of, choose a retirement community that offers a continuum of care. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer an independent living lifestyle for individuals who don’t require nursing supervision or assistance, however they also have assisted living and nursing home facilities on the same or adjacent property. In these types of retirement communities, seniors can get the care they need throughout their retirement years without having to move off campus, which can be a major inconvenience once you set down roots.

Types of Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes have a staff that consists of RNs, LPNs, and certified nurses’ aides to provide 24-hour medical care to patients. Some skilled nursing facilities also specialize in memory care for individuals in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. In addition to skilled nursing care, nursing homes also provide daily meals and organized activities within the facility.

Retirement Communities Compared to Nursing Homes

While assisted living facilities provide many of the daily care requirements seniors need and the added measures to help them feel safe and secure, it’s important to understand that they are the middle ground between independent living facilities and nursing homes. If you or your loved one requires round-the-clock care and monitoring because of a specific medical condition or long-term disability, a nursing home might be better suited for their individual needs.

However, if help-as-needed care is ideal, or you think an independent living community is perfect for you, then you might better enjoy and thrive in a retirement community that offers a range of assisted and independent living options. On a campus of your peers that offers a diverse range of amenities, activities, fun events and more, you can truly get the most out of your retirement years!

Consider Your Options

Now that you’re better informed about the differences between retirement communities and skilled nursing facilities, it’s time to do the research for the facility or campus that can provide the services and amenities that you want.

If you’re looking for a community in Northeast Ohio, then Copeland Oaks or Crandall Medical Center in Sebring could be the perfect fit! We’re a Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers independent living villas and apartments, assisted living, and assisted living with memory care facilities. In addition to a scenic 250 acre campus that offers several dining venues, a wellness center, walking trails and more amenities, we’re just steps away from Crandall Medical Center which offers full-time skilled nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation. Our campus is equipped to offer a complete continuum of care for our residents.

Contact us today to learn more about which of our living options is best suited for your needs and to schedule a tour of our campus.

Schedule a Visit or Learn More

If you’re considering making the move to our retirement community, we encourage a visit to our campus. To schedule a visit, or learn more about our dining or other services and amenities, please call 330-938-6126.