With the influx on negative media about assisted living facilities, considering an assisted living home for your loved one can be a difficult and scary choice. But what is skilled nursing care to begin with? Learning the truth about assisted living facilities can enable you to make an informed decision that’s in the best interest for both your family and your loved one.

A nursing care home is a facility that provides round the clock healthcare for those in need. Although the elderly are typical candidates for assisted living services, the terminally ill and the disabled are also eligible to seek care. Some of the most common reasons that individuals are admitted to assisted care facilities are due to dementia and Alzheimer’s.

As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for assisted living care increases. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the assisted living industry is on the rise. In the United States, the CDC reports that there are currently 16,100 nursing homes in existence. Additionally, the CDC reports that there are approximately 1.5 million nursing home residents occupying these facilities.

Many assistance living candidates and loved ones fear that entering an assisted living home will rob one of their independence and personal identity. Yet it could not be further from the truth. While it is true that assisted living facilities provide 24 hour care for those that need it, residents of care homes are still able to live a fulfilling, independent and social lifestyle. Being in a circle of like-minded individuals with similar needs can prove to be beneficial for those in assisted living, and community often forms around these commonalities. Additionally, assisted living facilities offer a plethora of activities that keep the residents’ minds and bodies active. Some examples of activity are bridge, golfing, and dance classes.
Admitting a loved into into assisted living care can be an emotional stressful ordeal, but finding a high quality care facility can often be the best choice for your loved one and those around them.