Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Right Fit?
When it comes to finding senior living and care, the journey can be confusing. Learn if assisted living or a nursing home (long-term care) is right for you.
At some point in the lives of your senior loved ones, they may require more support and full-time care than you can give. While it may be an emotional decision, it’s important to consider all options for the benefit of their health and well being.
There are many different types of facilities for senior care and a variety of terms associated with that care. What’s the right choice? Continue reading to explore the differences between an assisted living facility and a nursing home to help you make the best decision for your loved ones.
Key Takeaways
Level of Care and Setting Differ: Assisted living provides support with daily activities in a residential, home-like environment, while nursing homes offer 24-hour medical and personal care in a more clinical setting, suitable for individuals with more complex health needs.
Assisted Living Focuses on Independence with Support: Residents in assisted living typically have their own rooms or apartments and access to services like meals, medication management, housekeeping, and wellness activities—making it ideal for seniors who need help but still value independence.
Nursing Homes Provide Higher Medical Care: Nursing homes cater to individuals who require ongoing medical supervision or rehabilitation services and are often the right fit for those recovering from hospital stays or managing chronic conditions.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- What is Assisted Living?
- Find Assisted Living
- What is a Nursing Home?
- Find a Nursing Home
- Conclusion
- Resources
What Is Assisted Living and Who Is It For?
Assisted living offers a residential, home-like environment, but offers more services and support than an independent-living facility. Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care and activities. Assisted living facilities can range from a few dozen patients to a hundred or more.
Residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas such as dining and community rooms. Assisted living facilities often offer high-quality dining services, activities, and access to amenities like a chapel, movie theater, exercise facility, and more. Typically tiers of care are offered, with higher fees associated with higher levels of care.
Benefits of Choosing Assisted Living
- In-house dining services (often three meals per day)
- Medication management
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Nurse aide and licensed nursing services
- Assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, walking, etc.
- Dementia or memory care support
- Exercise and wellness activities
- Transportation
- Security
Search Senior Care Finder to discover a comprehensive directory of assisted living communities near you!
What Is a Nursing Home and What Care Is Provided?
A nursing home provides a wide range of health and personal care services and is also known as a long-term care or skilled nursing facility. The services they provide are more focused on medical care than most assisted living facilities. A typical nursing home facility provides nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals each day, and assistance with daily activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available.
Some people can have a brief stay at a nursing home after being in the hospital as they work on their rehab. But many residents of nursing homes live there permanently as they have ongoing care needs.
The main difference between assisted living and nursing home facilities is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, while assisted living facilities provide care in a more residential, home-like setting.
Search Senior Care Finder to discover a comprehensive directory of nursing homes near you!
Conclusion
Choosing between assisted living and a nursing home depends on your loved one’s care needs and lifestyle preferences. Assisted living offers a more independent, home-like setting with support for daily tasks, while nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical care in a clinical environment. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for their health and well-being.
