Choosing the Right Senior Care, Assisted Living vs Nursing Home. What is the Difference?
Seniors enjoying social engagement
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to think about our living arrangements and the care we may need down the road. While there are several options, we will look at two options today, assisted living and nursing homes; many people are unsure of the differences and use these terms interchangeably. Until the 1980s, the only option was a nursing home. In the 80s, assisted living communities were started. There are approximately 30,000 Assisted Living Communities (AL) in the US. Indiana has approximately 200 AL Communities per Statista as of 2021.*
Moving is never easy, and moving for a senior is often tricky due to the physical and emotional attachment to our existing home. Unfortunately, sometimes when our health deteriorates, the home becomes unmanageable, or there are safety concerns, we must explore alternate living arrangements.
In this post, we will explore the key differences between assisted living and nursing homes, helping you make an educated & informed decision about the best option for you or a loved one. Whether you're seeking increased independence, support for daily activities, or specialized medical care, this guide will provide the insights you need to help make that decision.
Just as a note: In this article, we use the word facility since many people use that word to describe all Senior Living. Here is websters definition for a facility “something designed, built, installed, etc., to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service” While technically correct, what image comes to mind when you think of facilities? In my mind, I think of a prison or a dark, gloomy place with bars on the windows. May I suggest we all stop using that word and refer to them as a community? If you were told you were moving to a new community, wouldn’t you see it differently than if you were told you were moving to a facility?
Key Takeaways:
Purpose: Assisted living facilities provide daily assistance for seniors with activities of daily living, while nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing) offer 24/7 care for those who need medical care.
Independence: Assisted living facilities encourage independence, allowing residents to maintain their apartments and participate in community activities. Nursing homes provide a more structured environment with 24-hour medical supervision.
Cost: Assisted living can be less expensive than nursing homes, but the cost will depend on the level of care needed and the community.
Services: Assisted living facilities typically offer meals, housekeeping, and transportation, while nursing homes offer a more comprehensive range of medical services, including rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.
Regulations: Both assisted living and nursing homes are regulated by state and federal governments, but nursing homes are subject to more stringent regulations and oversight.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living communities are designed to provide mature adults with the assistance they need to remain independent while still having access to daily support and medical care. Many assisted living communities offer amenities such as medication management, transportation, and dining rooms. Each assisted living community has different amenities and services; always check with the assisted living communities where you want to live. Assisted living communities typically have staff available to assist and support with daily routine activities, such as bathing and dressing.
What services are offered in assisted living facilities?
Assisted living communities are designed to help residents with the support they need to live comfortably and independently. These communities offer various services and amenities tailored to meet each resident's needs. This section will outline some of the most common services offered in assisted living facilities.
Medication Management
This is an important aspect of care in an assisted living community. Many of us have trouble remembering if we took our medicine or not. Residents often require help organizing and administering their medications, which can be challenging due to multiple prescriptions and health conditions. Let’s face it many of the pills look pretty similar. Assisted living staff are trained to assist residents with taking their medications as prescribed, ensuring they take the correct dose at the right time. The staff also works closely with pharmacists and healthcare providers to monitor residents' medication regimens, track adverse reactions, and adjust as needed. With proper medication management, residents in assisted living can live safely and comfortably, with peace of mind that their health needs are being met.
Transportation Services
Running errands, keeping appointments, and attending events can be difficult. But fear not! Numerous assisted living communities offer transportation services to ease the burden of mobility, ensuring their residents can move about with ease and comfort.
Dining Room
Food is more than just nourishment - it's a source of comfort, socialization, and enjoyment, and in assisted living communities, the dining room is where these elements come together. With professional chefs whipping up meals, residents can indulge in delectable cuisine while socializing with fellow residents. And the best part, the food is tailored to meet the unique dietary needs of each resident, ensuring that every bite is both delicious and nutritious.
Basic Services
The daily routine can be quite a challenge if living at home. But in assisted living communities, help is on hand. With essential services like bathing, dressing, and grooming, these communities provide the critical support residents need to tackle the day ahead. Every aspect of daily activities is taken care of, from looking sharp to feeling fresh. And so, residents can focus on what truly matters: living life to the fullest!
Medical Assistance
Illnesses and medications can be a complex and challenging aspect of life, especially for those in their homes. In assisted living communities, the staff is there to help, serving as healthcare heroes who provide medical assistance quickly and efficiently.
From managing persistent illnesses to administering medications, they can handle even the most demanding health concerns with compassion and skill. So, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in the hands of true healthcare professionals.
Community Life
Assisted living facilities offer a range of activities and events to help residents stay active and engaged, including fitness classes, games, and social events. Some assisted living facilities offer luxury amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and beauty salons to enhance the lives of their residents.
Maintenance-Free Lifestyle
Assisted living facilities are designed to be maintenance-free, so residents can enjoy their retirement without worrying about yard work, home repairs, housekeeping, and other household tasks.
What age do most people go into assisted living?
Assisted living is a type of senior living option designed to help older adults live comfortably and safely while enjoying independence and high quality of life. But at what age do most people go into assisted living? This is a common question that does not have a single answer.
Most people enter assisted living in their mid-to late-80s, although some may choose to move into an assisted living community earlier or later in life. The age at which someone enters assisted living will depend on several factors, including their health, level of independence, and personal preferences.
For some seniors, the need for assisted living may arise due to health issues, such as chronic illnesses or physical disabilities. For others, moving into an assisted living community may be driven by a desire for a maintenance-free lifestyle or assistance with daily tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, and dressing.
Regardless of the reason, the age at which someone enters assisted living will vary based on their circumstances. It's important to note that assisted living is not just for older adults but also seniors with disabilities or who need assistance with daily living tasks.
What are the disadvantages of assisted living?
Assisted living is a type of senior living option that offers older adults the support they need to live comfortably and independently. At the same time, assisted living can provide some disadvantages and advantages that are important to consider. In this section, we will outline some of the most common disadvantages of assisted living.
Cost
One of the most significant disadvantages of assisted living is the cost. Assisted living facilities can be expensive, with monthly fees ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. These costs can be difficult for some families, especially if they are on a fixed income.
Lack of Privacy
Assisted living facilities typically have shared spaces, such as dining rooms and common areas, making it difficult for residents to maintain privacy.
Limited Independence
While assisted living communities are designed to help residents maintain their independence, some residents may find that they cannot do certain things they could do before.
Health Concerns
Some assisted living communities may not have the resources or staff to provide adequate care for residents with long-term illnesses or complex medical conditions.
Transitions
Moving into an assisted living facility can be difficult for some seniors, especially if they have lived in their homes for many years. The transition can also be difficult for family members used to caring for their loved ones at home.
Lack of Personalized Care
Some assisted living facilities may be unable to provide the personalized care that some residents need, especially if they have complex medical conditions.
What is a nursing home?
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing or long-term care, provide intensive hands-on care for seniors who need more assistance with their daily needs. They are equipped to provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for seniors who have persistent illnesses or need help with personal hygiene and other care tasks.
Residents in long-term care typically live in shared rooms and have access to medical services and support 24/7. They are licensed by the state, which means they have met specific requirements set by the government.
What services are offered in a nursing home?
Long-term care is designed to provide the elderly with the care and support they need to live safely and comfortably. These communities offer a wide range of services and amenities to meet the needs of each resident. This section will outline some of the most common services provided in skilled nursing. It should be noted that skilled nursing is often sought when the assisted living community can no longer meet the resident's needs.
Skilled Nursing Care/Medical services
Skilled nursing has round-the-clock expert nursing care. It aims to assist residents with everyday necessities - bathing, dressing, or maintaining personal cleanliness and complex medical needs. Long-term care offers trained medical staff available to provide medical assistance.
Dining Rooms
People living in skilled nursing facilities can enjoy meals and socialize with other residents in their dining rooms if they can. The food is designed to meet the dietary needs of each resident.
Personal Care
Long-term care facilities are meant to support residents who can no longer care for themselves. To help with daily living tasks, long-term care facilities provide care such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
Therapy Services
Many skilled nursing facilities offer therapy services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, to help residents maintain mobility and independence. These services can be invaluable for residents who have limited mobility or have lost the ability to perform simple tasks such as bathing or dressing due to illness or injury.
Social Activities
Nursing homes offer a range of social activities and events to help residents stay active and engaged. Residents can enjoy bingo and other games, social activities like birthday parties, musical events, and ice cream socials.
Family Involvement
Involving families in the care of residents in nursing homes can improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Family members can provide emotional support and participate in activities with their loved ones.
Some nursing homes also allow family members to be involved in care planning and decision-making. Strong family involvement can help ensure that the resident's needs and preferences are met and can also provide peace of mind for the resident and their family. Be sure to check with the skilled nursing facility if you want to help with care planning actively.
When should you put your loved one in a nursing home?
Deciding when to put a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. It can be emotionally challenging to know when the right time has come. However, some circumstances may indicate that a nursing home is the best option for your loved one's care.
Chronic Illnesses
Considering all options and weighing the pros and cons before deciding is important. While long-term care can provide professional medical care and support, it may also have disadvantages, such as limited freedom and lack of personal space.
It may also be helpful to involve your loved one and their medical team in the decision-making process and to research different nursing homes to find one that fits their specific needs and preferences.
Physical Disabilities
If your loved one has physical disabilities or mobility issues that make it difficult for them to live independently, a nursing home may be the best option. Nursing homes have staff available 24 hours a day.
Cognitive Decline
If your loved one is experiencing cognitive declines, such as dementia or Alzheimer's, a nursing home may be the best option. Nursing homes have staff trained to provide care and support to residents with cognitive decline, and they can help prevent wandering, confusion, and other safety risks.
Safety Concerns
Nursing homes are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for residents with safety concerns, such as falling. They have trained staff available 24/7 to assist with daily living tasks and provide the necessary help, ensuring the well-being and safety of residents.
Personal Care
A nursing home may be the best option if your loved one can no longer manage their daily living tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, and has severe medical problems.
What are the most common complaints about nursing homes?
Nursing homes are designed to provide older adults with the care and support they need to live safely and comfortably. While nursing homes can provide many benefits, some common complaints are essential to consider. This section will outline some of the most common complaints about nursing homes.
Quality of Care: One of the most common complaints about nursing homes is residents' quality of care. Some residents may feel they are not getting the care and attention they need or that the staff members are not sufficiently trained or experienced.
Staff Attitudes: Another common complaint about nursing homes is the attitude of the staff members. Some residents may feel that the staff is not friendly or compassionate or that they are not receiving adequate attention or support.
Cleanliness: Some residents may complain about the cleanliness of the nursing home, including issues with the quality of the food, the state of the bathrooms, or the general condition of the facility.
Lack of Privacy: Nursing homes typically have shared spaces, such as dining rooms and common areas, making it difficult for residents to maintain their privacy, and some only offer semi-private rooms.
Limited Independence: While nursing homes are designed to provide care and support, some residents may feel trapped there. It is important to check with the facility to see if you can take your family member for outings.
Cost: The cost of nursing homes can be a concern and is quite expensive. While Medicaid may be available, there are strict guidelines on the resident's assets, and not all nursing homes accept Medicaid. Please note Medicaid is a state program, and each state has different requirements for qualifying.
How is a nursing home different from assisted living?
Regarding senior living options, two of the most common choices are nursing homes and assisted living communities. While both types of facilities are designed to provide care and support for Seniors, there are significant differences between the two.
Understanding these differences is essential when considering the best option for yourself or a loved one. This section will explore the key differences between nursing homes and assisted living communities, including the level of care provided, the cost, and the services and amenities offered.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
When considering assisted living vs. nursing home, it's essential to consider several factors, such as your loved one's health issues, lifestyle preferences, and financial situation. The median monthly cost for assisted living ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, while nursing home costs can be much higher, often starting at around $7,000 per month. Please remember that these rates vary from state to state and community to community and can change anytime.
Financial assistance may be available for low-income seniors. Many facilities offer additional services and luxury amenities to enhance residents' lifestyles.
Level of Care
The primary difference between assisted living and nursing homes is the level of care provided. Assisted living offers essential assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and medications. It is crucial to check to see if they offer different levels of care based on the resident’s abilities and any cost associated with the various levels. On the other hand, nursing homes provide higher care, including 24/7 medical supervision and assistance with complex medical needs.
Cost: Cost is a significant factor in the decision-making process. Assisted living can be more or less expensive than nursing homes, but it also offers a broader range of services and amenities. Nursing homes are typically more expensive but offer 24/7 care. They also offer fewer amenities and less independence. It's essential to carefully consider the costs of each option and what is included in the price.
Amenities and Services: Assisted living communities typically offer various amenities and services, including meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities. Nursing homes usually have fewer amenities but may offer more specialized services, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation. It's important to consider what amenities and services are essential to you, and whether they are available in the community you are viewing.
Independence and Privacy Assisted living communities typically offer more independence and privacy than nursing homes. Residents have private apartments or rooms and are free to come and go as they choose. On the other hand, nursing homes may have more restrictions on independence and privacy, with residents sharing rooms and having limited opportunities for alone time.
Health Conditions: When choosing between assisted living and nursing homes, it's essential to consider your health conditions and future needs. Assisted living communities may not be equipped to handle complex medical needs, and residents may need to move to a nursing home if their needs change. On the other hand, nursing homes are designed to meet the needs of residents with more complex medical conditions.
Personal Preferences: Finally, it's essential to consider your personal preferences. Do you want a more independent lifestyle focusing on social activities, or do you prefer or need a more structured environment with more medical supervision? Do you want a private apartment, or are you comfortable sharing a room? These are all important considerations when choosing between assisted living and nursing homes.
Financial assistance may be available for low-income seniors, and many facilities offer additional services and luxury amenities to enhance their residents' lifestyles.
Comparison chart for Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home
Other Options
In conclusion, Assisted Living and Nursing Homes offer different levels of care and services for older adults and those with disabilities. Assisted Living focuses on providing a supportive and independent lifestyle, while Nursing Homes provide higher medical and personal care. While choosing between the two, it's essential to consider individual needs and preferences.
However, other options like Aging in Place or Independent Living are also worth considering, which offer additional independence and autonomy. To learn more about these options, check out our related blog post, "Aging in Place vs. Independent Living: What's the Difference". Regardless of your decision, it's important to make informed choices that support your well-being and quality of life.