Assisted Living vs. Long Term Care: What’s the Difference?
It’s normal to not know the difference between assisted living and long term care at first. However, it is important to really take the time to understand both options when considering these services for an older family member.
It will be easier to proceed with the decision to downsize when you can confidently ensure your needs, and the needs of your loved one, will be properly met. If you are based in New Jersey, United Methodist Communities (UMC) has full-service locations across the state that offer both assisted living and long term care options. Here are key differences between assisted living and long term care services for older adults at UMC.
What is assisted living?
Similar to Independent Living, assisted living residents live in their own apartments for as long as possible with the assistance of highly trained personnel. The services include optional personal and healthcare tailored to each resident’s needs. Assistance with medication management and activities of daily living can be delivered in apartments, promoting maximum independence. At UMC, we are proud to uphold the customization of services and resident choice. Our associates value forming friendships with every resident, and really like to take the time to get to know each one on a personal level.
Assisted Living services include (but are not limited to):
- Daily housekeeping and maintenance
- Medication management or assistance
- Health monitoring 24/7
- Reminders for all daily living and social activities
- Personal care: bathing, maintaining personal hygiene, eating, walking, dressing
- Laundry service and limited transportation
What is long-term care?
Also known as Skilled Nursing, it consists of services for residents with complex, chronic and serious health conditions. Most assisted living residents transition to long-term care for more intensive services coordinated through a professional team of nurses, aides, and therapists.
Long Term Care services include (but are not limited to):
- Health monitoring 24/7 along with nursing care needs for chronic medical conditions, such as stroke, injury, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other infections or ailments
- Personal care: bathing, maintaining personal hygiene, eating, walking, or dressing
- Complete medication management
- Reminders for all daily living, social activities and therapy sessions
- Daily housekeeping and maintenance
- Laundry service and limited transportation
Monthly costs for assisted living and long term care vary depending on the community and the types of services you need. Fortunately, Medicare and Medicaid can help cover selected costs associated with long term care if your loved one meets the eligibility requirements. For more information about the cost of assisted living at UMC, click here.
UMC will help determine which option is best for your loved one
At Pitman, our difference revolves around the quality of our nurses and associates, our faith-based mission, and our commitment to an abundant life for all seniors. We offer a variety of services that can put your mind and the minds of your family members at ease. We’re here to offer guidance and support in making this incredibly significant decision for your loved one.
It’s normal to be concerned about admitting a senior family member into assisted living or long term care during COVID-19. Fortunately, many communities have developed strong safety procedures and continue to enforce proper social distancing guidelines in regulation with the CDC. For more information regarding UMC’s industry-leading procedures in navigating COVID-19, please click here.
Come meet our skilled nurses and associates (socially distanced), to see the differences between assisted living and long term care at United Methodist Communities. Contact UMC at Pitman to schedule a personal tour today.
