Assisted Living Facility vs Nursing Home

When considering care for an elderly loved one, options normally come down to an assisted living facility or a nursing home. While both might offer care, the level of that care, along with the environment and general day-to-day experiences, is quite different. Understanding the key differences is important in making an appropriate decision based on individual family needs. These are some of the key differences, along with pros and cons, which we will discuss in the course of this article to ensure that your decision-making is based on complete information.

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

The assisted living facility is designed for those senior citizens who require assistance in daily living but at the same time seek some level of independence. It strikes a balance between a homelike setting and professional care to promote an active lifestyle that also provides services around daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and more.

Assisted Living Facilities: Some Key Features

• Tailor-made Care Plans: Assisted living residents have personalized care adapted to their needs. Staff members assist with daily activities, such as meal preparation and hygiene, but allowing independence to be preserved.
• Social Setting: These communities provide group activities, events, and social outings that enhance a sense of community. The sense of social interaction helps develop better psychological and mental status among the elderly.

• Homelike Environment: Assisted living facilities have private or semi-private apartment-like rooms that offer comfort to the residents. This is an important aspect for homemakers who get accustomed to a dependent lifestyle.

• Medical Care Available: Even though the residents in an assisted living do not require any around-the-clock medical care, health professionals are available to address minor medical issues and perform normal health checkups.

Who Qualifies for Admission into an Assisted Living Facility?

An assisted living facility is ideal for seniors who have independence for the most part, requiring support with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or medication reminders; prefer living in a community setting socially and recreationally; but do not need medical attention around the clock and yet occasionally require nursing care.

What is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home, also referred to as a skilled nursing facility, is essentially a facility that offers medical care and supervision on a 24-hour basis. It is the place of stay for the patients with chronic illness, physical disability, or cognitive decline, who need a higher level of treatment and care. Such homes are manned by licensed nurses, doctors, and therapists who are able to deal with the complex health needs of the residents.

Key Features of Nursing Homes

• Care by Medical Professionals Around the Clock: Nursing homes provide medical supervision around the clock, including medication administration, wound care, physical therapy, among others. It is ideal for those who have grave health conditions and require close monitoring.

• Skilled Nursing Staff: Care by a team of licensed nurses and doctors is provided to the residents. Besides medical attention, nursing facilities offer special therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Care for Chronic Illness: Many of the nursing homes are specially equipped to take care of residents with serious health problems like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative disorders. Thus, they can handle the mental and physical difficulties of their residents.

• More Institutional Setting: Nursing homes tend to be more medical in nature than assisted living communities. Residents are usually offered shared rooms, and common dining areas. Medical care and support, rather than the provision of a home-like environment, is often emphasized.

Who Is a Nursing Home Appropriate For?

A nursing home is suitable for adults whose needs include:

• 24-hour medical supervision as well as ongoing nursing care.
• Suffer from chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments, or physical disabilities that make it problematic to function daily.
• Need special care in the ways of rehabilitation, therapy, or other forms of palliative care.

How Much Do They Cost: Assisted Living Facility vs. Nursing Home

Of course, cost is an important variable in the selection of either an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Usually, nursing homes are more expensive due to the intensity of medical services one is likely to receive. Assisted living facilities offer a less expensive option for seniors who require less intensive care.

Assisted Living Costs: The average costs of assisted living vary from state to state, county to county, and in the various services that each facility provides. The average monthly cost can be anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000. Some facilities may be charging additional care services beyond that, so pricing structures should be examined carefully.

Nursing Home Costs: Nursing homes range upwards of $7,000 to $9,000 per month, in which some areas may even be higher. This higher cost reflects extensive medical care, rehabilitation services, and supervision around the clock.

Medicare or Medicaid may offset some of the costs for both options and any long-term care insurance purchased. It is highly recommended that you consult with a financial advisor to understand your options and plan for any long-term care expenses.

Pros and Cons of Assisted Living Facilities

Pros:

• Independence: Some degree of independence is maintained while much-needed support is provided.
• Social Engagement: Activities held regularly, shared meals in common dining rooms, and events put up as a group build on the quality of life.
• Cheaper: Assisted living centers are often cheaper than nursing home care.

Cons:

• Limited Medical Care: The facilities may not be prepared for serious complications or medical emergencies.

• Additional Costs: Some services may involve additional costs, like transportation, special diets, and time spent with personal care assistants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nursing Homes

Pros:

• Full-Time Medical Care: The care extended in these centers is skilled and professional, done under constant supervision.
• Special Medical Treatment: For highly complicated medical conditions, a nursing home is the ideal place for treatment.
• Rehabilitation: Many of the nursing centers have therapy services, which help patients recover from surgeries or injuries.

Cons:

• Institutional Environment: The clinical environment may not be that homely or pleasant.
• Costly: Such a wide extent of care and treatment is costly to purchase and especially for long-term purposes.

Decision-Making

The specific needs will determine whether to choose between assisted living and a nursing home. When they are capable of living independently but need help at times, then assisted living may be the best suited for them. However, if they require medical attention all the time or are suffering from any chronic ailments, then the nursing home is the place where your loved one will get the required amount of care. Assess the degree of required care, resources, and personal choices to assist in making this decision.