Everyone’s goal is to age in place. You can drive yourself, live independently, and require little or no assistance.

Many seniors choose to stay in assisted or independent living facilities. They get help like preparing meals, bringing you a cup of coffee, or giving you a hand with cleaning. However, for seniors who want to stay in their homes, they can search for ‘in home care Thompson Station‘ or other areas to receive the best care possible without having to move away.

More and more families are turning to the benefits of assisted living. However, many are still confused about whether this is enough, or if moving to a nursing home is necessary.

This article will help you better understand the question: what’s the difference between assisted living and a nursing home? Read on to make an educated decision for your family.

Medical Care 

There are several key differences between assisted living and nursing homes in relation to medical care. Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, while assisted living does not.

Nursing homes also have a higher staff-to-resident ratio and more comprehensive medical services on-site than assisted living. Nursing homes are designed for individuals who cannot live independently. While assisted living is designed for seniors who need some assistance with activities of daily living but can still live independently.

Although both types of facilities provide some level of medical care. Nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care than assisted living facilities. For more information about medical care services, check it out here.  

Lifestyle

In an assisted living facility, residents have their own private apartments or rooms. They receive assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

In contrast, nursing home residents live in shared rooms with several other residents. They receive around-the-clock skilled nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living.

Independence

Assisted living is designed to give residents as much independence and autonomy as possible. While nursing homes are focused on providing medical care and supervision.

Also, assisted living typically doesn’t have around-the-clock nursing staff, while nursing homes do.

This means that residents in assisted living facilities must be able to care for themselves to some degree while nursing home residents may need more hands-on care.

Assisted living facilities typically provide more social and recreational activities than nursing homes, giving residents more opportunities to interact with others and stay active.

Cost: What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

There is a big difference between the cost of assisted living and a nursing home. Assisted living usually costs much less because the care is not as intense.

In a nursing home, the care is much more intense and so, the costs are much higher. Nursing homes also have a higher staff-to-resident ratio, which drives up the cost.

Nursing homes can cost up to more than $100,000 per year, while assisted living facilities only cost around $40,000 per year.

This is because nursing homes provide a higher level of care including 24-hour medical care, while assisted living facilities provide a more limited level of care.

Meals

Assisted living facilities offer more dining options and allow residents to eat when they want to, while nursing homes have set meal times.

Additionally, assisted living residents have their meals prepared for them, while nursing homes have residents help with meal prep.

Finally, assisted living residents are more likely to eat with other residents in a communal dining room, while nursing home residents typically eat in their own rooms.

Insurance Coverage

Assisted living is covered by health insurance, while nursing homes are covered by long-term care insurance.

There are many insurance companies that offer long-term care insurance. These policies will help to cover the costs of assisted living or nursing home care. Some policies will cover the costs of home health care, as well.

It is important to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage they offer for assisted living or nursing home care.

Other Services Offered

Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of services. It includes help with activities of daily living, transportation, housekeeping, and meals.

Some assisted living facilities also offer special programming such as social and recreational activities, educational seminars, and health and wellness classes.

Nursing homes offer more comprehensive care including medical and nursing care, as well as rehabilitation and therapy services.

They also have a higher staff-to-resident ratio than assisted living facilities. They are required to have a licensed nurse on staff at all times.

Physical Layout of the Facility

There are many differences between assisted living and nursing homes. One of the most notable differences is the physical layout of the facility.

Nursing homes are much larger than assisted living facilities. They are often designed in a way that promotes a more institutionalized feel.

Assisted living facilities are often designed to feel more like a home or an apartment. This difference in physical layout can be significant, as it can impact the overall atmosphere of the facility and the level of independence that residents feel.

Length of Stay

When making the decision about which type of care facility to choose for an elderly loved one. It is important to understand the difference between assisted living and a nursing home. 

The average length of stay in an assisted living facility is three years. Whereas the average length of stay in a nursing home is two years. 

What Kind of Facility Is Right for You?

What’s the difference between assisted living and a nursing home? The most important distinction is that assisted living is designed to promote independence. While nursing homes are focused on providing medical care.

If you’re considering one of these options for yourself or a loved one, be sure to consider the individual’s needs and preferences.

If you want to learn more about the health industry, then you can take a look at our blog.