As older adults consider moving into a facility to receive extra care, it's essential to understand the differences between assisted living and nursing facilities. Considering the differences will allow them to find the right place that best fits their needs. Life situations, health, and needs can vary from person to person. Continue reading this blog to learn about the primary roles of each home, allowing you to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Independence

The level of independence is different in each facility. Those who are more independent, are somewhat active, and need help mainly with daily tasks will thrive in assisted living. Because of this, most residents live in semi-private apartments. Those who need more careful help and monitoring, such as those with complex health issues, will receive the best care in a nursing home. These residents usually live in a shared room or complex for close monitoring.

Medical Care

Nursing homes offer more advanced medical care than assisted living homes. Nursing homes have skilled and specialized nurses to help treat chronic and more severe conditions. This usually consists of cognitive issues or highly debilitating physical problems.

On-call nurses are available for those in assisted living homes, but it's more moderate since those in these facilities need more help with basic tasks, such as dressing and bathing, rather than medical care, such as wound care or injections.

Cost

The cost can vary between both homes, but nursing homes usually cost more than assisted living homes. However, Medicaid may be available to make nursing care more affordable, while assisted living mainly comes from out of pocket. Assisted living homes typically cost around $5,000 a month, whereas nursing homes can cost almost double that amount for the high medical care.

Environment

Both of these facilities offer a form of community and support. However, assisted living facilities tend to foster more of a social aspect than nursing homes. Assisted living homes mimic a residential home, whereas a nursing home is more hospital-like. This is mainly so that those in assisted living can feel more independent and those in nursing care can get the full-time assistance needed.

Staff

Assisted living requires fewer medical professionals, while nursing homes require a larger presence of these professionals to aid in different medical circumstances. Assisted living homes often have activity directors and volunteers to help with keeping patients engaged and active. Nursing homes will often have volunteers as well to spend time with patients and give them social interaction.

Conclusion

Ask yourself or your loved one: Are you somewhat active and independent and need assistance with basic daily tasks, or is there a complex medical condition that needs to be regularly monitored? The answer to this question will help you understand which one is the right place. After considering all of the factors mentioned above, you can make a decision that will fit you or your loved ones' needs as best as possible.