What is the Difference between a Group Home and Assisted Living?

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What is the difference between a group home and assisted living? That is a very common question and one that many families have asked when looking for support for their elderly loved ones. Both options are able to provide care to seniors to help them maintain their independence and live a happy and fulfilled life, but knowing the right solution for your loved ones can be challenging.

Group Home vs. Assisted Living

When it comes to answering the questions, “what is the difference between a group home and assisted living?” it is important to understand what services each option provides and the environment they create.

Each option can provide a range of benefits to suit your loved one’s requirements, so to help you find the right solution, we have taken a closer look at some of the key features of each.

Typical Environment

A group home is often an overlooked area of senior care, but they can be a fantastic solution for those independent seniors who are looking for a little support throughout the day alongside seeking social interaction. Typically with a group home, seniors will stay in the same property, sharing a room or having their own, creating a cozy and intimate environment.

An assisted living home creates a similar environment, but sees seniors have their own apartment that they can furnish with their own belongings. These facilities are a great choice for those seniors who are missing the socially active life that they might have once had.

Level of Care

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Although there are many differences between a group home and assisted living facilities, the level of care that they provide is fairly similar. A group home is a great option for seniors who might need some support with medication, dressing, and bathing but do not require around-the-clock nursing support.

These facilities typically have fewer residents living in them, which means that there is an increased level of interaction between staff and residents. On the other hand, an assisted living facility is a popular choice for those seniors who might need some additional support with daily duties but are primarily looking to create new friends and the ability to enjoy more amenities and recreational opportunities.

Services Offered

What is the difference between a group home and assisted living? One of them is the level of services on offer for residents. Group homes do not tend to offer hands-on care, but they do create a nurturing and homely environment that sees meals cooked and served to residents, alongside having their laundry completed.

Many group homes will also regularly host events and activities for residents to join in as they please. Staff are also on hand for 24 hours a day, ensuring there is always some level of supervision for residents.

Assisted living facilities offer residents a more relaxed level of services, giving them more independence. Residents are able to cook their own meals, although there are usually facilities to have them cooked for them alongside housekeeping duties.

Cost

The cost for both facilities can vary massively depending on the region and the level of care required. Group Homes can cost anywhere up to $5,000 a month, while the median cost of an assisted living facility in America is $4,051 a month.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Assisted Living Oakland County MI

Which is right for you?

Understanding the difference between a group home and assisted living is will help you to understand which one is right for your loved ones.

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When to choose a group home?

A group home is a great choice for those seniors who are looking for a more intimate yet social environment. It is also the right solution for those seniors who might need some support with daily tasks such as bathing or dressing but are not requiring 24-hour skilled care. Thanks to the round-the-clock support, they are also popular for those seniors or children who might need help with mental impairments.

When to choose an assisted living facility?

An assisted living facility is the right choice for those seniors who do not require full-time medical care but might need help with daily activities or minor nursing support for things such as Alzheimer’s or other age-related illnesses. They are also a popular choice for residents who are looking for recreational opportunities to maintain their social life but are no longer able to drive or get around.

Need help with your loved one?

When answering the question “what is the difference between a group home and assisted living?” It is important to remember the needs of your loved ones. Here at Suncrest Senior Living, we are a small-group assisted living provider for seniors in the Metro Detroit area, helping your loved ones to enjoy their life with as much independence as possible. Want to find out more? Get in touch today.

Suncrest Senior Living

This information was provided by Suncrest Senior Living. Suncrest offers memory care and assisted living care with several home-based locations in Southeast Michigan.

Interested in learning more about Suncrest Senior Living? Contact Suncrest online, or call at (248) 207-5378.