When considering retirement living and care options for yourself or a loved one, the right choice will depend on your individual needs and level of independence. The best option for you depends on how much clinical and day-to-day support you require, now and into the future.
At Ryman, we offer a range of living and care options, from independent living to assisted living in serviced apartments, as well as residential aged care, and dementia-level care.
Assisted living in a serviced apartment is ideal for people who are mostly independent but need a little extra support with daily tasks.
Assisted living residents live independently in their own apartment and access to village amenities, while receiving help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. There are several tiers of support, and you can choose the level that suits you.
Assisted-living residents choose a level of support that best meets their needs.
What many people think of as a nursing home is a facility that offers residential aged care. These are designed for people who need daily clinical and personal support such as:
While Ryman don’t use the term “nursing home” to describe our care homes, the level and range of care provided is similar. Ryman also offer specialised dementia care for residents with more complex health needs.
Ryman care residents have a bespoke care plan, right down to how they like their cup of tea.
Although there is some overlap in the support offered, the main distinction between assisted living and a nursing home is the level of independence.
Assisted living focuses on promoting autonomy and independence for longer, whereas nursing homes cater to people with complex or ongoing care needs. The table below highlights some of the typical key differences.
|
Assisted Living |
Nursing home/care home |
|
|
Level of independence |
Mostly independent in day to day life |
Requires significant assistance with daily tasks |
|
Types of services offered |
Some support with main meals, housekeeping and personal care |
Clinical care and supervision, personal care, all meals and housekeeping |
|
Living arrangements |
A serviced apartment with a living area, kitchenette, and ensuite |
A private room with an ensuite or a care suite |
|
Lifestyle |
Access to independent village amenities and assisted living activities and events |
Access to aged care amenities, activities, and events |
|
Medical care provided |
Some clinical support provided if needed |
A range of care options from residential aged care to dementia care |
No. Assisted living supports independence by providing help with daily tasks, along with light care as required for those with lower care needs. Nursing homes provide full-time care for people with higher care needs.
Yes – support options can include meals, housekeeping, laundry, personal care, and some clinical care, but not intensive medical supervision.
If they require full-time medical supervision, mobility support, have complex or high health needs, or cannot be cared for safely in an assisted living environment.
Choosing between assisted living and a care home depends on current health, level of independence, and how much daily support is required:
Whether assisted living or care is the right fit depends on the level of support required.
It’s important to consider future needs when thinking about assisted living, and choose a retirement village that also offers higher levels of care.
Many Ryman residents have transitioned from independent to assisted living, or from assisted living into care within their village as their needs changed. This has enabled them to remain within the community they love and are comfortable living in.
While this article gives you a general overview of the difference between assisted living and care, it’s even better to talk to the experts.
Contact us today
Contact Ryman 1800 314 425
Or book a tour to see how we’re redefining assisted living with care you can count on.
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