Assisted Living vs. Total Dependence: Understanding the Difference
Does your loved one need support in their old age? It's not uncommon, as roughly 35% of people by the age of 70 have some kind of mobility issues. That number becomes the majority by the time they hit 85.
If you want to move them into a new home with personal care, you'll need to decide what level of care they need. Not every senior wants help bathing or cooking their own meals. Others might need support all throughout the day.
Here's the difference between assisted living and total dependence.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of residential care designed for seniors who need help with some daily tasks. At the same time, senior independence is encouraged to the extent that they are capable.
A person may transition into assisted living to deal with their isolation problem. It's all too easy for a senior to find themselves spending most of their time alone, even if they have a personal caregiver.
When they move into a senior community, they gain access to a variety of amenities, activities, and socialization opportunities.
Some of the most common services offered by assisted living include help with bathing and dressing, medication management, and housekeeping. Family members may consider it a sign to move their loved one into this type of community if those sound like necessities.
What is Total Dependence?
Total dependence is when an individual can no longer perform essential tasks without significant or constant support. They are unable to live alone for certain reasons and need professional care at all times.
You can find this level of care offered in settings such as skilled nursing home or long-term care homes.
Common characteristics of total dependence include:
- Full reliance on caregivers for mobility, hygiene, and feeding
- Medical needs with around-the-clock monitoring
- Limited ability to participate in decision-making
A senior might need this much care if they have dementia, have suffered a serious stroke, or live on a ventilator.
Assisted Living vs Total Dependence
There are a few major differences between assisted living and total dependence. Both of them involve personalized care for seniors. However, the level of care can vary significantly.
In addition, the buildings and communities they live in will also differ. An assisted living community may not have the same kind of staff or equipment as a nursing home.
Level of Independence
Not every senior is capable of the same level of independence. It may be that their ability to live independently can lessen over time, as is the case with certain neurological disabilities or diseases.
For example, someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease may need some support in their daily lives. An assisted living community with a focus on memory care can help them stay social and active.
By the latter half of the disease's progression, a senior may struggle to recall major aspects of their life or even remember to eat. At this point, they will need more comprehensive care.
Care Setting
One of the main assisted living benefits is the care setting. Many seniors who reside in an assisted living community do so in private apartments or suites within a communal setting. The idea is for the individual to feel at home while gaining access to various amenities and social opportunities.
In contrast, someone who lives in total dependence might live in a clinical or heavily supervised environment. They cannot stay in a house alone and require, at the very least, a live-in nurse.
Social Engagement
Social engagement is encouraged for all seniors, regardless of their level of independence. These opportunities are often more limited for those in nursing homes or with more serious medical needs.
In an assisted living community, all residents are capable of socializing as they want. The community creates many of these opportunities, such as group activities, outings, and special events.
Medical Needs
It's not uncommon for a resident in an assisted living community to have various medical conditions that need occasional attention. However, personal care staff usually don't have to help with much other than medication management.
Someone with total dependence likely has complex medical needs that call for constant supervision. They cannot live alone and are unable to manage their medical needs on their own.
When Total Dependence Care is Necessary
Families may find it difficult to decide when total dependence care is necessary for their loved one. It's not an easy transition, but the progression of certain diseases can facilitate that decision.
If your loved one requires comprehensive medical care, then you may want to move them into a skilled nursing home. These can provide advanced medical care for conditions such as dementia or stroke recovery.
Anyone who requires specialized care may not find it in an assisted living community. It all depends on the specific community whether or not they can gain access to 24/7 supervision.
Elder Care Options Explained
Moving your loved one out of their home means deciding where they're going next. They will need to figure that out based on their needs, budget, and location.
Assisted living communities provide a private living space and access to amenities and activities. These amenities often include salons, dining areas, and more.
Nursing home care is provided by licensed practical nurses and nurse aides. The home provides long-term residential care for those who cannot live independently.
Seniors may also rely on nursing care if recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. They may live here before they transition back into their other living situation.
Find Your Loved One the Right Home
For most seniors, assisted living communities provide the optimal balance of assistance and independence that residents want. However, some individuals need more care than they can provide. They will get the help they need at a nursing home or with a live-in caregiver.
Oak Gardens Place is a retirement community in Altoona, WI. We offer compassionate care and develop individual care plans for each resident. There are many amenities to enjoy, such as personal care and group activities.
Reach out today with any questions and to schedule a tour of our community.