What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home?
May 08, 2023 / Assisted Living, Nursing Home
As individuals age, it is natural that activities of daily life, such as preparing meals, showering and other personal care tasks, and getting dressed, may become more difficult. Individuals may also begin to forget things such as taking medication or turning off the stove after cooking. If you or a loved-one has been needing more assistance with day-to-day tasks, it may be time to start looking into long-term care options. Two of the most common long-term care facilities are nursing homes and assisted living communities, and while they are commonly used interchangeably, the programs and assistance levels offered by both of these facilities are very different. The Senior Care AZ team is breaking down assisted living facilities and nursing homes today: what is the difference between the two, the pros and cons of both types of communities, and how to decide which may be right for you.
What Is Assisted Living?
An assisted living community is a long-term residential setting that is set up to provide aging yet still active adults with care and assistance with the tasks of daily life. Assisted living facilities are generally set up as residential communities where residents can choose from studios or shared apartments with kitchenettes. Seniors in assisted living generally do not require 24/7 skilled nursing care, but the facility will often provide assistance with some daily tasks if needed, such as medication management, meals, housekeeping, or personal care. Many assisted living facilities will feel more like retirement communities, with added healthcare support when needed. Assisted living communities often have opportunities for socialization and activities with other residents, and the amenities and services focus on supporting physical health, social connection, and providing valuable intellectual stimulation for residents, aiming to slow physical and cognitive decline in an environment where seniors can be safe while maintaining a level of independence.
Assisted Living Pros
For active seniors who are in good health and still want to maintain a level of independence, an assisted living facility is an excellent option. An assisted living facility will provide opportunities for seniors to build a community and regularly socialize with others. These communities also provide a level of safety that a senior will not have living at home, giving them a staff of individuals who are close in the case of a fall or other accident within the home. The major pro of an assisted living facility will be the maintained level of independence: while there is a staff of individuals who are ready to care for residents when needed, residents still have their own apartment-style environment with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living space. They can choose the level of involvement from the staff, depending on their needs, or choose to live independently within the community.
Cons of Assisted Living
When it comes to the cons of assisted living, one of the biggest cons will ultimately be the cost. While the dollar amount of assisted living is generally much less than that of a nursing home, assisted living costs will usually need to be paid for out of pocket, while nursing homes are often covered by insurance or Medicaid. Assisted living also offers less specific medical care and will not be able to provide 24/7 nursing care for individuals who need it. For adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s, some facilities may have special wings designated to caring for these residents, but a lot of them don’t, and assisted living may not be the best option for these individuals. Assisted living has many great options for the aging adult who knows they will need more help in the future but is very active and capable of taking care of their day-to-day tasks now. However, for an adult who needs more care, there are better options to consider.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home is a skilled residential facility that provides a high level of custodial and medical care for aging adults who need 24/7 supervision due to serious medical issues or chronic conditions. Nursing homes generally resemble a more hospital-like structure than assisted living facilities, where residents will live in a private or shared room consisting of a small living area, bathroom, and bed. They will generally not have a kitchenette, and many residents will share a room with another resident. Nursing homes provide the same assistance with daily tasks that assisted living facilities do, including assistance with going to the bathroom, three meals a day, and any personal care and medication management. They also provide an advanced level of medical care and 24/7 nursing care, as well as palliative care, mobility assistance, nutritional services, and speech, occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy. There are two types of nursing homes: a short-term facility that focuses mostly on the rehabilitation of individuals who will eventually return to independent living and a long-term facility that serves individuals who will need long-term care.
Nursing Home Pros
Nursing homes provide an increased level of medical care and are especially great for aging adults who have limited mobility, a chronic illness, or a diminished ability to eat independently. A nursing home provides 24-hour supervision, and a staff of specialized nurses will be there to provide care for residents around the clock. There is significant medical care available on-site, and residents will not need to leave to access doctors and specialists, such as physical and respiratory therapists. There are also excellent on-site amenities for residents to access, as well as events to allow capable residents to socialize with their community.
Cons of Nursing Homes
While nursing homes provide an advanced level of care for aging adults who need it, for some adults, this level of care and supervision may feel like a loss of independence. There are fewer opportunities for independent socialization, as well as fewer outings and community events. The facility will feel less like a home than an assisted living facility, and some may feel more like a hospital. There is less privacy for residents, and many residents must share rooms with another resident.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Key Similarities and Differences
The main goal of both assisted living facilities and nursing homes is to provide the level of care that is required to keep their residents safe, healthy, and happy. They both offer very similar support services like assistance with daily tasks, medication management, enrichment and wellness activities catering to the level of independence of their residents, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and balanced meals and nutritional options.
The biggest difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes lies in the level of medical and assistive services provided. While nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled nursing care and supervision, assisted living facilities often just provide as-needed assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping and personal upkeep.
Cost of Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes
The costs for assisted living facilities and nursing homes vary on a state-by-state basis, as does the way in which these costs will be covered. While assisted living costs are generally cheaper due to the fact that 24/7 medical care is not provided, it is also often paid for out of pocket, while insurance and Medicaid will generally cover the more expensive costs associated with nursing homes.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
In 2020, the national median annual cost for an assisted living facility was $51,600 per year. These costs are typically paid for out of pocket or through the sale of assets such as a home or long-term care insurance that has been paid-into over the course of many years.
How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?
In 2020, the national average cost of a shared room at a nursing home was $93,075 per year, and the national average cost of a private room at a nursing home was $105,850 per year. These costs will often be covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or other financial assistance programs.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: Choosing What’s Right for You
If you or your loved one are considering whether an assisted living community or a nursing home may be the right choice for their future, the first step will be assessing the level of care needed. Then you can begin the process of determining which facility will be the best fit based on their financial situation and what is most important to them. The team at Senior Care AZ can work with you to determine the best option for your loved one and provide senior placement services in Arizona when you decide to take the next step.