At a glance, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities offer similar services that support independent senior living. But if you or a loved one is considering one of these facilities, you’ll need to understand the differences.
Clinical Services
Assisted living: Assisted living facilities offer non-clinical support for those transitioning from living at home. Many assisted living residents move to their communities because it is no longer safe for them to live alone.
Residents may only need a moderate level of care, like assistance with dressing, bathing, and medication management. Readily available staff mean residents can rest easy, knowing they have consistent support.
Skilled nursing: A skilled nursing facility caters to those who require a higher level of clinical care. Like assisted living, skilled nursing provides support for basic needs like eating, bathing, and dressing, but they also provide therapy and rehabilitation services.
The nursing staff is available 24/7, and therapists are regularly on site. Skilled nursing facilities also have medical directors that oversee care plan implementation.
Length Of Stay
Assisted living: Residents typically move for the long-term. Many facilities encourage residents to bring items and furniture from home to personalize their living space.
Skilled nursing: The length of your stay depends on your needs. Stays are often shorter than assisted living, and residents transition home once they’ve completed their rehab goals. Skilled nursing accommodates:
- Illness and injury recovery
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Hospital discharges that require further care
Amenities
Assisted living:
- Private apartments or suites with living spaces and kitchenettes
- Meals
- Transportation
- Laundry services
- Housekeeping
- Wellness and exercise programs
- Social enrichment and clubs
- On- and off-campus excursions
Skilled nursing:
- Private or semi-private rooms with bathrooms
- Meals
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Limited transportation
- Social enrichment
- Onsite therapy and rehabilitation
Find the right skilled nursing and assisted living care for you at Embassy Healthcare. Call 888-975-1379 or contact us online for more information.
