Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: Levels of Care
The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Aging Parents
September 21, 2020
MEDICARE
April 1, 2022
As you age, you may need extra help with daily activities. Many older adults choose to lead a simplified life by hiring at-home care or moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. These housing options provide several benefits, including assistance with cleaning, bathing, shopping, and meal preparation. For those with specific medical needs, some facilities offer skilled nursing care onsite.
According to a study by the NIH, about 1.5 million Americans aged 65+ live in nursing homes, while 1 million live in assisted living communities. But are there differences between nursing homes and assisted living communities? And, if so, what are they?
If you’re wondering whether one of these long-term care options is right for you (or an aging loved one), keep reading. Below, we’ll compare the differences and overlap between a nursing home vs. assisted living. Besides, we’ll dive into other housing options you might want to consider in your search.
Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: Levels of Care
Both assisted living communities and nursing homes provide onsite care. Both assist with daily activities by serving onsite meals or helping with cleaning, bathing, or other personal hygiene tasks. Both facilities commonly provide weekly recreational activities, such as supervised exercise, movie nights, or group outings.
The primary difference between nursing homes and assisted living comes down to the level of care provided.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES PROVIDE PERSONAL CARE
Residents of a nursing home require a higher level of care than those in an assisted living facility. At an assisted living facility, the primary focus is on helping residents with basic tasks — for example, staff may help residents get in and out of the tub, get dressed in the morning, or manage their medication.
An assisted living facility will have processes in place for emergencies, but they’re not required to have around-the-clock, skilled nursing staff onsite. Besides, residents are typically allowed to come and go, although they’re sometimes required to be signed-out by a staff member or family member.
