Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home

If you don’t know much about senior living communities, you may think they’re all the same or that assisted living is just a glorified nursing home. However, assisted living has several advantages over nursing homes and is a great choice for senior citizens who want to maintain as much independence as possible. It also offers high-quality programming, specialized nutrition, a sense of community, and assistance with daily activities.

Both types of senior communities are committed to keeping residents safe, healthy and happy. The offered assisted or medical services, living arrangements, and prices are the main distinctions between these two senior living options.

The differences between nursing homes and assisted living are discussed in more detail below, along with some similarities.

What is Assisted Living?

Simply put, assisted living facilities offer residential care tailored to the needs of senior citizens. They are for senior citizens whose health or well-being necessitates a higher level of support, as determined by a health assessment by the community in accordance with state regulations. A healthy lifestyle and social interaction are also benefits of assisted living.

Medication management and help with bathing, dressing, and grooming are among the most frequent assisted living services provided. Housekeeping, meals, laundry and transportation services, as well as social programs and activities, are typically included. Personnel is on hand around-the-clock to provide safety, care, and support. Residents are encouraged to bring furniture and personal items to make their new home feel, well, like home.

What is a Nursing Home?

The highest level of care for senior citizens outside of a hospital is typically found in a nursing home. Nursing homes provide what is called custodial care, providing help getting in and out of bed, and assistance with feeding, bathing, and dressing. The fact that nursing homes also offer a high level of medical care sets them apart from other types of senior housing, though. Every patient’s care is overseen by a licensed physician, and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always present. There is typically always access to skilled nursing care on-site. There are additionally available other medical specialists, such as physical or occupational therapists. Due to this, treatments and medical procedures that would not be feasible in other housing can be provided on-site.

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home: Difference

It is important to know the difference between assisted living and nursing home senior care options.

Differences in the Level of Care

A larger number of people work in nursing homes, and they frequently have more credentials. Nursing homes are better equipped to care for residents with complex medical needs because they typically have registered nurses on staff at all times.

Assisted living facilities on the other hand offer a lower level of care. Note – “level of care” is not at all the same thing as quality of care. Still receiving top-notch care are residents of assisted living facilities. The assistance provided to the resident is referred to as a level of care.

Even though there is less medical care and supervision available in an assisted living facility, registered nurses and other medical staff are still on-site all day to provide assistance as needed. These facilities are designed to support resident care needs while fostering independence.

Facility Differences

The physical layout of the facility plays a big part in the type of care that a facility is equipped to offer.

In order to provide the best care and prompt assistance, nursing homes are specially designed. Nursing homes often have a less “homie” feel and give off more of a professional and medical atmosphere. They usually strive for a comfortable and welcoming feel but their priority has to focus more on the resident’s safety since they serve seniors who are at higher risk for things like falls or wandering.

As opposed to nursing homes, assisted living facilities tend to be cozier and support a more open sense of community. These facilities are more geared toward independence because they are intended to be a community and resource for seniors. Seniors living in assisted living facilities are given the minimal care they require so they can maintain as much independence as possible. Nursing home residents frequently share a room with another resident, whereas assisted living facilities typically offer residents their own room or full suite.

Insurance Difference

Although there are some exceptions, assisted living is typically not covered by insurance, either public or private. It is uncommon for facilities and insurance companies to go above and beyond the norm and provide financial assistance.

Contrarily, both public and private insurance policies frequently provide some coverage for nursing homes.

Living Arrangements

At Senior Services of America, we know that feeling at home is incredibly important. Our neighborhoods are made to give you privacy. Nursing home residents typically share a room with another resident. Even though they are less prominent, community spaces are still present in nursing homes.

The majority of residents in assisted living facilities live alone in apartments or studios. Assisted living facilities to have large community spaces and cater to recreational activities more than a nursing home might.

You can be sure that when you move into one of our communities, you’ll have a lovely home with a fantastic layout that was carefully planned for your comfort and security.

Spending Difference

The price is one of the biggest distinctions between nursing home care and assisted living.

Compared to nursing homes, assisted living facilities are typically less expensive. Nursing homes frequently charge twice as much as assisted living facilities. This makes sense because the level of care provided in a nursing home is higher and more intensive than that provided in an assisted living facility.

There are other ways to cover these costs and, upon some research, many find that assisted living is more affordable than it looks. Nursing homes are frequently covered by both public and private insurance, even though they can cost up to twice as much as assisted living on average.

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home: Similarities

Both kinds of senior living facilities put a strong emphasis on maintaining their residents’ well-being. They both offer assistance with what are known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene are some of these. Other similarities include:

• Medication Management: Older adults frequently visit the emergency room due to medication mistakes. It can be challenging for seniors who take several prescriptions a day to manage them. Residents living in either kind of community can safely manage their medication.
• Life Enrichment: We are aware that loneliness and isolation increase the risk of health issues in older adults, including depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Numerous life-enrichment activities are provided by assisted living facilities and nursing homes to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their residents.
• Supportive Services: The requirement for assistance with chores like housekeeping, laundry, and transportation is what leads many senior citizens to move into some type of senior living community. Both types of communities offer these services.
• Well-balanced Meals: Both kinds of communities place a strong emphasis on good nutrition. Daily nutritious meals and snacks are provided for the residents’ benefit. For adults who may find it difficult to plan and prepare meals at home, go grocery shopping, and plan meals, this is a huge plus.

Conclusion

Assisted living is really a replacement for nursing homes, which frequently placed more emphasis on medical care than on a resident’s agency, independence, and emotional health. After reading this article, you can decide whether to use nursing homes or assisted living services depending on the situation. Assisted living communities recognize the close connection between physical and mental health and place a strong emphasis on both.

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