When it comes to senior living, some might envision a hospital-like environment and many will immediately think of the term ‘nursing home.’ Even though modern-day senior living options — such as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) — have come a long way from the traditional nursing homes of the past, there is often still a misconception between the two.
By definition, a nursing home is a place for people who don’t need to be in a hospital but can’t be cared for at home. While nursing homes certainly do a wonderful job of caring for seniors who are in need of medical services, they are primarily focused on providing generalized care in a comfortable setting.
In contrast, a CCRC is a senior living community that combines an active lifestyle, hospitality, and access to different levels of healthcare in one convenient location. Unlike nursing homes, CCRCs offer a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services so residents can age in place and receive the right level of care at any given time. Residents also gain access to a wider range of on-site medical professionals — from registered nurses to occupational therapists to nutritionists — who are specially trained to provide personalized geriatric care.
Today’s CCRCs also offer far more than the typical nursing home with a wide array of amenities and services designed to help residents lead a fulfilling lifestyle. With spacious living accommodations in a neighborhood-style atmosphere, enriching social programming, restaurant-style dining, engaging activities, and more for residents to enjoy, choosing a CCRC means more time, more freedom, and more opportunities.
Understanding what differentiates a CCRC from a nursing home will help you to compare senior living options and find the best fit for you or your loved one. Ready to start learning more about the community and care services at Sharmar Village? Contact us today and we can answer any questions or concerns that you may have or schedule a virtual tour!
