What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

Whether a loved one is in need of a higher level of care, or simply could use a hand with everyday tasks, it’s important to understand just what the difference between assisted living and nursing home options is. At Carriage Crossing, we want to help you make the decision that best meets your needs.

What is assisted living and what is a nursing home?

The National Institute of Aging offers these definitions:

Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living communities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 100 or more. Typically, a few levels of care are offered, and residents pay more if they need extra services or special care.

Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to many services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff; and social and recreational activities. Some assisted living facilities are part of a larger organization that also offers other levels of care. For example, continuing care retirement communities may also offer independent living and skilled nursing care. Exact arrangements vary by facility and by state.

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. Their services focus more on medical care than most assisted living facilities or board and care homes. Services offered in a nursing home typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available.

Related: How to Help Your Parent Feel Comfortable in a Senior Living Community

What are the key differences between assisted living and nursing homes?

The Lifestyles

Residents of assisted living are free to go about their day as they choose, knowing that a helping hand is always close by if needed with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or medication management. However, assisted living residents do not require 24-hour care or supervision.

Many people choose to move into assisted living to take advantage of the engaging, active lifestyle. Special events, fitness opportunities, group outings, parties, concerts, volunteer activities and more—in assisted living, residents are free to choose how they spend their day. At Carriage Crossing, we take pride in creating a warm homelike environment in which our residents can grow, thrive, and live their lives to the fullest every day.

Residents of nursing homes often require specialized care from licensed health care professionals. Residents typically live in small rooms, often with a roommate. Activities are available, such as group exercise, concerts, celebrations, and more, but the emphasis is always on safety and health of the residents. Scheduled transportation, housekeeping, and a salon are just a few of the typical amenities.

The Staffing

Families want to know that their loved ones are being cared for by experienced, caring people.

In assisted living, staff members are usually highly trained and compassionate as they help each resident prepare for their day and go from activity to activity. They often establish close relationships with those they assist and become trusted friends. However, they usually have no medical training.

In a nursing home, trained medical professionals are available at all times. Their chief concern is always to protect the health and wellness of residents, providing deeply personal care and attention around the clock. The atmosphere and care are similar to that found in a hospital setting.

The Cost

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey:

• The average monthly cost of a nursing home: semi-private room: $8,669, private room: $9,733
• The average monthly cost of assisted living: Private, one-bedroom apartment: $5,300

What would work best for my loved one?

Assisted living is a good choice for someone who:

• Could occasionally use a helping hand, but does not require 24-hour help
• Is able to get around on their own
• Is interested in a homelike setting without the upkeep
• Would appreciate someone else making the meals
• Wants to be more active and socialize with others
• Would make use of scheduled transportation provided by community
• Has grown weary of household chores and maintenance
• Would like to take advantage of amenities like a library, game room, outdoor courtyard, and more
• Wants a lifestyle that offers both some assistance, as well as independence

Carriage Crossing assisted living also provides assistance with continence management, transferring, and diabetes management.

Skilled nursing is a good choice for someone who:

• Requires a higher level of care including full-time monitoring and medical assistance
• Has developed a chronic or severe health problem(s)
• Is unable to feed themselves independently (and/or requires a pureed and liquid diet)
• Has experienced a fall or injury that requires rehabilitation
• Has significant mobility issues
• Will benefit from increased safety features and security

When is it time to move from assisted living to nursing home?

Staying in close communication with the staff and caregivers in assisted living is a great way to know what is happening with your loved one. Because they are constantly monitoring the health and wellness of each resident, they are more likely to pick up on subtle changes in behavior, eating and sleeping habits, continence issues, mobility, and so on.

If you are concerned that your loved one needs a higher level of care, a good idea is to first consult a physician to determine if there has been a change in health that warrants a move to nursing home accommodations. Working together, you can consult with other family members and arrive at a solution that works best for your loved one.

It is only natural to feel some guilt if a move is needed. However, keep in mind that you are making decisions to ensure the safety, health, and quality of life for your older loved one.

Related: How Senior Living Communities Ensure Safety and Security

At Carriage Crossing, we are here for you. Our goal is to make a difference in seniors’ lives and assist families in making the choices that are right for them. We are more than a senior living community—we are a place where residents can step into the next chapter of their life with confidence and purpose.

To learn more about assisted living, what it offers, and how to know what’s best for your loved one, download our free guide, “Exploring Assisted Living at Carriage Crossing”, or contact us today.