As adult children we hope to find the highest quality living environments for our aging parents when the need arises. And while researching, certain words catch the eye: premier, top-tier, and exceptional. What do those adjectives really mean?
If you’ve seen the phrase “premier group home” or one of those other words, it might signify a level of excellence in terms of facilities, staff training, and care compared to standard group homes. There might even be upgraded living spaces, gourmet meals, recreational activities, and more refined common areas.
But group homes aren’t always geared for seniors; they don’t qualify as assisted living communities like Baxter Senior Living. The first difference is the kind of licensing that applies.
Group Homes vs. Assisted Living Licensing Requirements
The Alaska Department of Health clarifies the requirements for both living arrangements:
Group Residential Homes
- Inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with state licensing requirements.
- Investigating complaints regarding resident abuse, safety/sanitation, and financial exploitation concerns.
- Facilities receiving violation notices must take appropriate action for not complying with state or federal laws.
- All service providers with direct client access require background checks.
Assisted Living Homes
The Alaska State Legislature specifies a long list of requirements for assisted living communities. Some mirror those of premier group homes, but there are many others, including:
- Protect residents while promoting an environment that encourages resident growth and independence.
- Create assisted living plans that outline the services provided to meet residents’ needs.
- Provide opportunities for residents to participate in those plans and make decisions involving their care.
- Have sufficient care providers with adequate training to meet resident needs.
- Provide private space.
- Have signal devices when verbal communication is not possible.
There are too many other requirements to list here, but as you can see, Alaska assisted living communities comply with more laws than group homes for seniors.
Do group homes have benefits?
Yes, depending on individual circumstances. Residents in premier group homes might live with fewer individuals, which promotes stronger bonds among residents and staff. That can lead to increased social connections, reducing feelings of isolation that sometimes accompany aging. The close-knit atmosphere might feature home-cooked meals, quiet nights watching TV in a community room, and day trips.
Senior group home residents share common spaces like dining areas, lounges, and activity rooms, where they can socialize. The environment tends to be structured, with scheduled meals, social activities, and personal care services tailored to individual needs. The available care levels and on-site amenities might be limited, though.
What is assisted living like?
The atmosphere in an assisted living community balances independence and support on a larger scale. Residents typically have private or semi-private living spaces while sharing communal areas like dining rooms, lounges, and activity centers. A sense of community is encouraged through organized social events, group meals, and recreational activities.
The environment is structured yet flexible, with assistance provided for daily tasks like medication management, bathing, and dressing, tailored to individual needs. Highly trained caregivers are present around the clock, for a protected, comfortable setting. Overall, assisted living offers a blend of autonomy and support, creating an environment focused on dignity, safety, and quality of life.
Comparing Group Homes to Assisted Living
When comparing group homes and assisted living, consider the level of care provided and the environment and lifestyle each option offers. The smaller size of premier group homes allows for personalized attention, but assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and medication management might be lacking.
Assisted living team members provide different care levels, ADL assistance, and medication management. They tend to provide more holistic support for residents, including health monitoring, larger scale on-site amenities, and daily activity calendars. You can expect a broader scope of care, paying attention to nutrition, emotional well-being, and social engagement. This comprehensive approach can dramatically impact a senior’s daily life.
And since assisted living communities like Baxter Senior Living have more residents, there are restaurant-style dining rooms and more opportunities for peer interactions. Instead of living with a small group of people who might not get along, our residents can connect with many different personalities and socialize more. They also look forward to mealtimes, where they select entrees from frequently-changing, seasonal menus.
Assisted Living at Baxter Senior Living
The word “premier” certainly applies to Baxter Senior Living. As the Best of Alaska Award recipient, our Anchorage community has comfortable, pet-friendly apartments and three lifestyle options: assisted living, assisted living plus, and memory care. We also offer respite care, light housekeeping, and rewarding social activities. Here’s a peek at some of our support services and amenities:
- 24-hour team members and full-time licensed nurses
- State-of-the-art emergency response system
- Personalized care plans and health monitoring
- Medication management
- Transportation to medical care appointments
- Private spaces available for third-party care and hospice services
- Restaurant-style dining room with three daily chef-prepared meals
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Movie theater
- Fitness center
- Daily activities and off-campus excursions
Residents who need extra help but don’t need nursing homes choose our assisted living plus option. It’s more affordable than most Alaska nursing homes, with enhanced personal care and monitoring for residents who benefit from more support than traditional assisted living.
Our memory care setting for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia involves highly specialized support, including medication administration, assistance with ambulation, and eating assistance provided by our compassionate, skilled dementia care team members.
As you can see, senior group homes and assisted living are two separate categories. When the first isn’t the best fit, know that Baxter Senior Living is here, ready to provide loving support and a luxury lifestyle.
Schedule a Tour of Baxter Senior Living
Baxter Senior Living in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska offers a premier setting where seniors live their best lives. With three lifestyle options and resort-style amenities, our community provides holistic care and social opportunities, with something to look forward to every day. We invite you to visit us; contact us today to schedule a tour.
