Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Oct 18

Key Takeaways:

Social and Community Life: Assisted living focuses on fun activities and making friends. Nursing homes have planned activities to help people stay social in a medical setting.
Specialized Care: Assisted living can help with some health problems, but nursing homes have special treatments for serious conditions like dementia and trouble moving.
Helping to Move: Moving to assisted living or a nursing home needs careful planning, being emotionally ready, and getting professional help to make it easier for everyone.

At Canary Health, we help people stay healthy and live better. Our programs, like Better Choices, Better Health, and Building Better Caregivers, have helped many people. We provide resources that make a real difference in people’s lives.

While both assisted living options and nursing homes provide suitable living environments for patients and residents who need extra help on a day-to-day basis, they differ in terms of the type of care that they offer.

Building Better CaregiversⓇ is a six-week online program designed to support and empower caregivers. It offers education and support in a convenient, online setting. We understand the difficulties and challenges of being a caregiver, that’s why we offer Building Better Caregivers as a tool to help make life a little easier for caregivers and less isolating.

Caregivers can join at any time, work at their own pace, and participate whenever they want. Each group is made up of 30 caregivers who connect through weekly lessons, discussion boards, and one-on-one conversations, offering one another tips and support for their personal caregiving challenges.

The program is led by trained staff members many of whom have been caregivers themselves. These leaders guide discussions, share personalized resources, and keep workshops safe and supportive.

Building Better Caregivers has been recognized as a proven program by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiving Alliance.

“It was very helpful to learn things I might not have known and get tips and support from the others in the group. It helps just knowing there is someone who knows what you’re going through and can offer helpful tips, not just listen.”

– Building Better Caregivers Participant

What Is Assisted Living?

Definition And Key Features

Assisted living is for older adults who can live by themselves but need some help with daily tasks. They live in private or shared rooms and enjoy activities and wellness programs. The goal is to keep a balance between independence and support. These places also focus on safety with organized emergency systems and easy-to-use layouts.

Types Of Care And Services Offered

Help with personal hygiene, dressing, and taking medicine.
Daily meals that meet specific needs and preferences.
Housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services.
Social, recreational, and wellness programs to keep residents mentally and physically healthy.

Best Candidates For Assisted Living

Assisted living is great for those who need some help with daily tasks but don’t need constant medical supervision. They like to be independent but also want support when needed. They enjoy being part of a social community with organized activities.

What Is A Nursing Home?

Definition And Distinguishing Features

A nursing home, also called a skilled nursing facility, is for people who need 24/7 medical care. It’s for those with serious health problems who need regular attention from nurses and doctors. Unlike assisted living, the focus here is on medical care and rehabilitation. These places are designed for people with limited mobility or severe memory problems, providing safety and planned schedules.

Types Of Care And Services Provided

24-hour nursing care.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized memory care.
Help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.
Healthy meals based on specific needs.
Extra services like pharmacy delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and mental health support.

Suitable Candidates For Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes are for people who need high-level medical care all the time or are recovering from surgery or serious illness. They also help those needing rehabilitation to regain mobility and independence. Nursing homes are for those with long-term illnesses or memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease who can’t safely live in less supervised environments.

Comparing Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Levels Of Care: Medical, Daily Living Assistance, And Social Benefits

Assisted Living: Focuses on helping with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and taking medicine. Provides some medical care but not constant supervision. Offers many recreational activities.
Nursing Homes: Provide 24/7 medical care with nurses, doctors, and therapists. Social activities are also important but often more structured.

Cost Considerations And Funding Options

Assisted Living: Usually cheaper because there is less medical care. Paid for mostly by private payments and long-term care insurance. Medicaid sometimes helps, depending on the state.
Nursing Homes: More expensive due to a lot of medical care. Paid for by private payments, long-term care insurance, Medicare (for certain conditions), and Medicaid.

Quality Of Life And Community Aspects

Assisted Living: Residents have more independence, with custom activities and private or semi-private rooms. Socializing is encouraged through group activities and shared meals.
Nursing Homes: Offer planned schedules focusing on safety and health. Residents usually have less independence and share living spaces. These homes are designed to support people with serious health issues.

Health And Safety Things To Consider

Safety Measures And Medical Care In Each Facility Type

Assisted Living: Has emergency call systems, secure environments, and regular health checks. Provides basic health services like helping residents stay on their schedule for medication.
Nursing Homes: Offer 24/7 medical supervision by licensed professionals. Ready to handle medical emergencies with advanced care.

Specialized Care Availability For Long-Term Illnesses Or Rehabilitation

Assisted Living: May provide care for common illnesses but usually refers complicated cases to outside specialists. Physical therapy and rehab are often provided by visiting healthcare workers.
Nursing Homes: Provide in-house care for Long-term illnesses and conditions like dementia. Regular rehab services, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy, help improve quality of life.

Transitioning To The Right Environment

Tips For Preparing For A Move To An Assisted Living Or Nursing Home

Preparing For A Move:

Think about your loved one's needs to decide the best environment.
Visit facilities to check out the staff, amenities, and atmosphere.
Organize personal belongings to create a familiar space.
Plan the move gradually and involve your loved one to make it easier.

Addressing Emotional Challenges For Families And Caregivers

Emotional Challenges For Families And Caregivers:

Recognize the mixed feelings about the new living arrangement.
Reassure your loved one by focusing on the positives like better care and social opportunities.
Keep open communication with staff and your loved one to keep track of progress.
Stay involved through regular visits and meaningful conversations to help them get used to their new environment.

Which Option Is Right For Your Loved One?

Check the Individual's Needs:

Look at Care Needs: Look at what kind of help your loved one needs, like their physical health, memory, and ability to do daily tasks. Find out if they need regular medical care or rehab, which might mean they need more support.
Consider Social Preferences and Independence: Think about how much independence they want and their social needs. Assisted living is good for those who want some help but like being independent. Nursing homes are better for those needing a lot of medical care.

How Family Dynamics and Preferences Factor into the Decision:

Family Involvement: Family opinions are important when choosing the best care. Some families might want a place close by for frequent visits. Talk openly about what everyone wants and expects to avoid misunderstandings.

Smooth Transition: Understanding family priorities helps make the move easier and creates a supportive environment.

The Importance of Professional Advice:

Consult Experts: Talk to healthcare professionals to get a clear picture of your loved one’s needs. Social workers and eldercare consultants can give recommendations based on health needs. Financial advisors can help with funding and insurance questions.
Make Informed Decisions: Using expert advice helps to make sure that you make a well-informed choice backed by complete information.

Read also:

Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Home

What distinguishes assisted living from a nursing home?

Assisted Living: Helps with daily tasks like dressing and bathing but doesn't provide constant medical care. It helps residents stay independent.

Nursing Home: Provides 24/7 care by nurses and doctors for people who need a lot of medical attention. They offer clinical care and rehabilitation services.

What kind of daily assistance does assisted living provide?

Assisted living helps with dressing, bathing, and taking medicines. They also provide daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. Residents enjoy activities and wellness programs.

Do nursing homes only cater to older adults?

Mostly, but nursing homes also help younger people who need rehab or are recovering from surgery. They adjust care based on each person's health needs.

How do the costs differ between assisted living and nursing homes?

Assisted Living: Usually cheaper because it has fewer medical services. Paid for mainly through private payments or long-term care insurance.

Nursing Homes: More expensive due to a lot of medical care. Paid for by private payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance.

Are social activities included in both settings?

Assisted Living: Offers lots of recreational programs and group dining to keep residents socially active.

Nursing Homes: Have planned activities and structured routines to encourage social interaction and mental health support.

What specialized care is available in assisted living?

Assisted living can provide care for common health issues like diabetes. For more serious problems, they refer residents to outside healthcare providers. Visiting professionals often offer therapy and wellness services.

Do nursing homes offer rehabilitation services?

Yes, nursing homes offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help residents recover mobility and independence after surgery or illness. These therapies are tailored to each person's recovery needs.

How can I choose between assisted living and a nursing home?

Look at your loved one's health, memory, and daily care needs. Think about whether they prefer independence and social activities or need intensive medical care. Balancing these factors will help you decide the best option.

Can Medicaid cover assisted living or nursing home costs?

Medicaid coverage for assisted living depends on the state and often provides limited help. Nursing homes usually get Medicaid support for those who need a lot of care. A financial advisor can help with funding questions.

How do assisted living and nursing homes keep residents safe?

Assisted Living: Uses emergency call systems, regular health checks, and secure layouts to keep residents safe.

Nursing Homes: Provide 24/7 medical supervision and have advanced medical equipment for emergencies. Both Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are designed for residents' safety and mobility needs.

Maggie Reed