There is often a lot of confusion over the difference between assisted living and a nursing home. But if you are at a point where your parent can no longer live on their own, and you can't take care of them, you need to make a decision about what to do. Before you start looking at nursing homes, you may want to consider assisted living. The following are a few reasons this may be a better option.

Your Parent Is Still Mobile 

Your parent may not be able to get around like they used to, but they can still walk or get around with help of a cane or a walker. This is important because, with assisted living, there are many activities that are organized for residents. This type of social interaction can provide a high quality of life in their golden years.

Your Parent Does Not Require Medical Supervision

If your parent's health is not to the point where they need medical treatments that require a nurse, you may be better off with assisted living. This type of environment will provide assistance with making sure your parent takes their medication on time, and there may be transportation provided for doctor appointments. 

Your Parent Needs Help With House Cleaning 

Residential housing facilities provide workers who are dedicated to keeping the units clean. At certain times, they will drop by to sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and everything else that needs to be done, including the bathroom. House cleaning is often the first problem an elderly parent will have, but it doesn't require a nursing home. An assisted living facility is all that is needed.

Your Parent Needs Help With Cooking and Laundry

An assisted living facility will help prepare meals for your parent, and they will also make sure he or she has clean clothes. These two problems the elderly have, like many others, can be solved with a little assistance, and they will be fine. However, your parent will likely need to have the ability to put their clothes on with little or no assistance.

If you have a parent that can no longer live on their own, before you start looking for a nursing home, consider an assisted living facility. They will receive the help they need with house cleaning, cooking, laundry, and reminders to take their medication. And if they can still get around, these facilities often have many recreational activities to provide a high quality of life.