Difference Between Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes offer different types of long-term care. Both senior living communities assist with activities of daily living, but they vary in levels of service, staffing, layout and cost.

What’s a Nursing Home?

A nursing home provides skilled nursing and assistance with managing physical and mental conditions. You receive 24/7 supervision from trained and certified staff, including registered nurses, physicians and therapists.

Nursing homes are better equipped to address extensive medical needs that require hands-on treatment and consistent management. You must receive an order from your physician and proof of your medical condition to qualify for nursing home care.

Services at a Nursing Home

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, toileting and eating
• Medication management
• IV therapy
• Physical, occupational and speech therapies
• Pulmonary care
• Wound care
• Lab and X-ray services
• Health monitoring
• Palliative care
• Meal plans
• Housekeeping

Who Benefits from a Nursing Home?

A nursing home may be right for you if you have a chronic illness, mobility issues or severe medical condition. You’ll receive round-the-clock care from certified staff who monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.

This type of care is beneficial if you have a physical or mental condition that affects your ability to manage your health. It’s also helpful if you don’t have family caregivers or can’t afford in-home care.

What’s an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living facilities are independent communities for seniors who require some help with ADLs. These facilities don’t have the same level of clinical care as a nursing home, but you’ll still have the support of trained staff.

You have the freedom to make your schedule and interact with others who have similar life experiences. Assisted living offers opportunities for interaction, which can reduce your risk of social isolation.

You won’t have to worry about home maintenance and upkeep at an assisted living facility, giving you more time to participate in clubs, hobbies and social outings.

Services at an Assisted Living Facility

• Personal care, including assistance with ADLs
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Medication management
• Meal plans
• Activity and social programs
• Transportation
• Salon and barber services

Who Could Benefit from Assisted Living?

You may consider an assisted living facility if you want to retain your independence but require moderate assistance with ADLs. Signs it’s time for assisted living include frequent bruising or injuries, loss of mobility and a lack of personal hygiene.

Assisted living includes minimal skilled nursing care, which is good if you don’t have extensive medical needs. It’s a viable option if you live away from loved ones or struggle to maintain your home.

Determining Which Option is Best for You

Cost: Expenses are one of the biggest differences between a nursing home and an assisted living facility. Staying in a nursing home can be twice the cost of assisted living. That’s due to the higher level of care and more extensive services. Overall costs for either senior living option vary depending on location and amenities.

Insurance coverage: Medicare can help cover the cost of a nursing home stay for up to 100 days. Medicaid can pay nursing home expenses as long as you meet and maintain eligibility requirements. Neither option can be used for the room and board expenses of assisted living. Private funds and long-term care insurance can pay for assisted living.

Living environment: Nursing homes are a more clinical setting than assisted living facilities and operate like a hospital. You’ll have a private or semi-private room and access to expert medical care. Assisted living facilities have a homier atmosphere and rooms or suites that usually have their own living space and kitchenette.

Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing at Embassy Healthcare

Your needs are our top priority at Embassy Healthcare, whether you need daily, hands-on clinical care or intermittent assistance with ADLs. Our skilled nursing facilities offer short- and long-term care as well as respite care. Our assisted living communities provide support on an as-needed basis, so you decide when and how you receive help.

Call 216-378-2050 to learn more about our services and schedule a tour online.