Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes

When a loved one is no longer able to live on their own, families might consider a variety of living arrangements. Because the elderly are vulnerable to several types of abuse, it’s important for families to choose to the best living arrangements for their elderly family members and loved ones. Two of the most common living arrangements are assisted living facilities and nursing homes. To decide whether an assisted living facility or nursing home is right for your loved one, you need to understand how they are different.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living residences and facilities offer a variety of personal care services to residents, like meals, medication management, bathing, dressing, and transportation among, others. Residents often live in their own home within a community of residences and maintain a fair amount of independence. While some do offer skilled nursing care, it’s important to understand that Medicare or Medicaid do not license or regulate assisted living facilities. These elder care facilities go through separate certification programs to provide nursing services.

Because residents in assisted living facilities are not under constant care, they are particularly vulnerable to certain types of elder abuse. Negligence is one of the most common types of elder abuse experienced in assisted living facilities. Although residents maintain some independence, they rely on assisted living staff for vital everyday care. Negligence could leave a resident in poor living conditions and cause a delay in getting required medical care.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer 24/7 care, including skilled nursing care and personal care services to residents who live in one facility. They are commonly set up like hospitals, with each resident assigned his or her own room. Nursing homes are ideal for residents who suffer from cognitive impairment or require specialized medical treatment.

Nursing home residents are vulnerable to prescription medication errors, malnutrition, bedsores, and other care-related abuses. Additionally, residents in nursing homes can be victims of emotional and sexual abuse.

What To Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse In An Assisted Living Facility Or Nursing Home

Pennsylvania and the U.S. federal government set minimum standards for the care of residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If you suspect your loved one experienced abuse or neglect in a Philadelphia assisted living facility or a nursing home, immediately contact the authorities.

Philadelphia Elder Abuse Attorneys

The experienced Philadelphia elder abuse attorneys at Lopez McHugh LLP know how devastating nursing home and/or assisted living negligence can be. Our attorneys will explain your legal options. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your questions.