As they age, your older family members may need assistance with taking their meals and medications on time. They need someone to manage their daily chores without making them feel burdened or uncomfortable about receiving help.
With your busy schedule between work and classes, it can feel difficult to provide them with the attention they truly need. To help them with their health issues and overcome their loneliness, you have two choices: Assisted living and nursing home.
But which option should you choose when it comes to assisted living vs nursing home? Do they need a little support and a social connection with others, or do they need a full-time caretaker like a nurse?
In this guide, we will understand whether assisted living is the same as a nursing home. And how to decide which one is the right choice for your seniors.
What Is Assisted Living vs Nursing Home?
Assisted living is designed for seniors who need some help with daily activities but still want to maintain their independence. If your loved one is finding it difficult to manage tasks such as dressing, bathing, or meal preparation but does not require around-the-clock medical care, assisted living may be the right choice.
In an assisted living facility, residents typically live in their own apartments or rooms, where they can enjoy a private space while having access to necessary support. The services provided usually include:
- Assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) like personal hygiene, dressing, and medication management
- Housekeeping, laundry, and meal services
- Social and recreational activities are designed to keep the mind and body active
- 24/7 staff supervision to ensure safety and assistance when needed
In contrast, nursing homes are designed for individuals who require 24-hour medical supervision and care. These facilities are best suited for seniors with serious medical conditions or those who are recovering from surgery or a long-term illness.
Nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care than assisted living. They provide specialized services, including:
- Skilled nursing care from registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- Regular medical assessments and treatments (such as physical therapy or wound care)
- Medication management, including injections and IV medications
- Meals tailored to medical conditions, like pureed foods or liquid diets
- Assistance with ADLs, similar to assisted living, but with a stronger focus on medical needs
Key Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
When it comes to choosing the right option, it is crucial to understand the difference between assisted living and a nursing home. Here are the basic differences between the two:
1. Level of Care
The basic difference between assisted living and nursing homes is the level of care they offer. In assisted living, seniors can enjoy their independence and privacy while living in separate rooms or apartments. Staff members help them with their daily living tasks, such as bathing, eating, and taking medication on time.
On the other hand, nursing homes provide their older guests with professional nurses and the proper medical care they need. This is an entirely dependent living style for those who are more aged and need medical care all the time.
2. Living Environment
The second difference between the two types of care centres is the living environment. In assisted living, separate rooms or apartments are provided in which the residents have complete privacy. They receive assistance only when they need it.
However, in nursing homes, residents have to share their rooms with other members so that they can get medical assistance on time.
3. Social and Recreational Activities
Both types of care offer opportunities to socialise. However, assisted living offers more social activities than nursing homes. They provide card games, classes for mental activities, parties, and other activities like gardening.
On the other hand, nursing homes focus more on providing a resting and relaxing environment. That’s why they offer limited social activities.
4. Costs
Another thing that differentiates assisted living and nursing homes is their cost. Nursing homes offer medications and professional nurses. That makes them more expensive than assisted living houses.
Although their rates may vary significantly based on their facilities and location, assisted living costs on average range from $3000 to $6000 per month. Nursing homes have high costs, ranging from $ 7,000 to $12,000 per month.
5. Insurance Coverage
Medicare covers some services in nursing homes, such as skilled nursing care, but only under specific conditions.
Assisted living, however, is generally not covered by Medicare. Many people pay out-of-pocket or use long-term care insurance to help with the cost of assisted living.
When Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
After knowing what assisted living is vs nursing home, you need to choose which one is right for your parents or grandparents.
Assisted living can be the right choice for seniors who are still independent but need help managing some daily activities. Consider this option if your loved one:
- Needs assistance with basic activities like dressing, eating, or bathing
- Still enjoys a relatively independent lifestyle and can manage their own finances
- Wants to live in a community that offers social activities and recreational opportunities
When Should You Consider a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are best for individuals who require constant medical care and supervision. This includes seniors who:
- Have complex medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
- Are you recovering from major surgery or injury and need extensive rehabilitation
- Have severe mobility issues or cannot perform basic tasks independently
Final Thoughts
Choosing between assisted living and a nursing home for your loved ones is an overwhelming task. Before making your final decision, you must know the difference between assisted living and nursing homes.
If your senior family members love to live independently with a bit of help in a few tasks, assisted living is a good option. However, for those needing proper medical attention, nursing homes are suggested.
While choosing the right one, observe their condition and understand their needs. This will help you to make the right decision for them.
Looking for Assisted Living for Your Elders?
If you are looking for assisted living for your elders, explore St Francis Villa. Our respectful and generous staff make sure to take good care of every person we have. Moreover, our healthy environment is also good not only for physical health but also for the mental peace of the residents.
We also provide social activities that keep all our guests active and help overcome their feelings of loneliness. These activities give your loved ones a chance to socialise with others and have a positive impact on their psychology.
