Is there a difference between assisted living and a nursing home? Many people have had a wrong perception of assisted living and nursing homes. While some people see both as similar offering the same service and level of care. Some perceive assisted living as an advanced version of a nursing home.
However, both are different and residents in each community enjoy different services. In this guide, these features of assisted living and nursing home care will help you know the difference between both retirement communities:
Physical Structure of the Community
The physical layout of each community is a big determining factor for the type of services both community offers.
Nursing homes are created to offer comprehensive, 24/7, and quick-response care to residents. It offers a more medical atmosphere than a traditional home setting. The center is comfortable and does everything to ensure the maximum safety of each resident. There are team members around to ensure residents are well taken care of.
On the other hand, assisted living communities offer a homey feeling in a supportive environment for its resident. The community is created as a big family to welcome the residents, provide assistance when needed and help them maintain their independence.
Duration of Stay
The average length of stay for residents in the nursing home is between 2.25 to 2.28 years. The residents will be spending around two years depending on their health conditions. Some residents with special care might have to spend more than 2 years in the nursing home.
While residents spend between one to two years in the assisted living center. Since residents in these communities need little or no assistance, the length of stay for some might not be up to a year.
Medical care
These two communities offer different levels of care to their residents. The nursing home is oriented towards providing more medical care. The team members are provided adequate training in how to handle residents with special needs and chronic complications.
The medical service is 24/7 and includes rehabilitative services involving different therapies for speech, respiration, and many more.
While the assisted living community offers a lesser level of medical care. This does not mean a lesser quality of care; the medical attention is based on the needs of each resident. Some might only need assistance to meet up with doctor’s appointments or reminders for medication. Residents in assisted living centers are generally healthier so the focus is to make them more active.
Meal
In a nursing home, the team members (dieticians) make the meal for your loved ones. Your older loved ones may decide to eat in their rooms or the dining room depending on mobility and what they want. There will also be members around to provide assistance for residents who needs help with eating.
While residents in assisted living communities have access to kitchenettes to prepare their meals or take from the dining rooms. Depending on the location, some community order grab-and-go for residents to access meals 24/7.
Independence
The level of independence in each community is different. Residents in an assisted living community can drive around or even enjoy scheduled transportation to their desired location. They can go around as pleased as long as they are healthy. Also, the suite style in this community offers more independence without a roommate.
On the other hand, residents in a nursing home do not usually leave the center. This is because their health condition does not permit this and medical care is available in the community. Hence, there is no need to meet up for doctor’s appointments.
