When researching long-term care homes for your loved one, you’ll find out quickly (if you don’t already know) there are a range of facilities that tend to get lumped under the category of “nursing homes.” Perhaps a better term would be “residential care facilities” because that’s what they all are; the differences between them revolve around the number, types, and levels of services they provide.
Independent Living facilities such as retirement communities are places where those with no major mental or physical health
problems can go when they feel the need. Such places generally require their residents to have no major limitations that affect
their general independence. Residents are expected to be able to care for themselves (take showers unassisted and have control
over their bladders and bowels, for instance).
However, they’re watched out for; independent living places generally have “alarms” in each resident’s apartment or room they can activate for help if necessary, and the places have security or even police on the premises. Many places require residents to check in once a day via phone, perhaps, just to alert staff that they’re okay, doing well, and do or don’t need anything.
They put an emphasis on community involvement; they want to make sure their residents participate in social events and
come down for meals at least on occasion at places that offer this. You’ll find clubs and group activities galore at independent
living facilities because though their residents are living mostly independently, their needs for social interaction are still there.
Eric J. Hertz, PC
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers