Long-term care options for older adults vary from community to community. Deciding which senior living option best fits the needs of your older loved one can be complicated and many factors need to be considered. Learn the differences between assisted living vs. nursing home to make a well-informed decision for your older loved one.
Key Differences Between Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Home
Assisted living mainly offers senior living services within a residential setting whereas nursing homes provide skilled nursing services in a medical environment. Learn more about the distinction between these two long-term care options for older adults.
Assisted Living Medical Services
In an assisted living community, residents are given access to different levels of care depending on their individual needs. Residents can enjoy various on-site senior living amenities that can range from complimentary transportation to medication management to dementia care and more. Residents of an assisted living community are usually in relatively good health.
Nursing Home Medical Services
Residents of a nursing home are given round-the-clock medical care. Medical services are rendered by registered nurses who are trained in assisting residents with chronic illnesses. Rehabilitative services such as occupational, physical, speech, and respiratory therapy are also provided at a nursing home for those who need them. Some residents stay at a nursing home on a long-term basis, whereas others may be admitted only for a short period for rehabilitation after being discharged from a hospital or medical facility.
Assisted Living Space
Residents of an assisted living community live in individual or shared apartments that come equipped with bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. They also have access to common spaces where senior living activities are conducted in a community setting.
Nursing Home Living Space
In a nursing home, residents typically have individual or shared rooms that are similar to those found in a hospital or medical facility. Many nursing homes also have common spaces where they have their meals.
Assisted Living Assistance
Residents of an assisted living community receive assistance with their activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, grooming, dressing, toileting, and overall mobility. Other additional services like meal preparation, housekeeping, and home maintenance are also provided.
Nursing Home Assistance
Residents of a nursing home often need a higher level of care. They also receive specialized assistance with their daily living activities as well as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping.
Assisted Living Recreational Activities
One of the main benefits of staying in an assisted living community is the wide range of senior living activities that residents get to enjoy. The activities help residents maintain their mental and physical health through fitness programs, exercise classes, educational lectures, outdoor excursions, and more.
Nursing Home Recreational Activities
The range of recreational activities offered at a nursing home may be more limited. Residents can still enjoy various activities that are suitable for their mental and physical abilities, within a supervised environment. Most of the activities offered at a nursing home focus on helping residents regain their strength, improve their mobility, and prevent falls.
Consider the differences we have shared above and pick the most ideal senior living option for your older loved one.
