Many facilities provide assistance to senior citizens who may require daily care as they age. At-home care might not suffice, and people may not be equipped to provide full-time help to their loved ones. This is why people choose assisted living or nursing homes for older adults. However, these facilities can provide different kinds of services, and it is important to understand the key differences to choose the right option for you. 

What is long-term care?

Nursing home:  This residential facility offers care to the disabled or the elderly. Nursing homes are also known as “old people’s homes” or rest homes. The facility is intended for people who cannot be cared for at home but do not need a hospital. They usually employ skilled nurses and aides who provide around-the-clock care to residents. Some of the services available in a nursing home are physical therapy, speech therapy, memory or dementia care, and other healthcare services.

Assisted living:  This facility is like a retirement home for the elderly. These places are often regulated and licensed by the state. Regulations apply to safety standards, staffing, and training. Residents could be allocated individual or shared rooms/apartments. They offer a home or resort-like feel to the residents and also offer housekeeping and maintenance services. If required, professional health and personal care can also be provided at an assisted living and long-term care facility.

Assisted living vs. nursing home
The key differences between the two long-term care facilities are based on the following factors:

Care:  In a nursing home, residents would need care and monitoring throughout the day. The assistance of trained and skilled nurses, as well as therapists, might be required. Some residents could also need respiratory technology and care to deal with breathing issues. However, in an assisted living facility, residents might be provided with assistance for housekeeping or dressing but can still live independently.

Ambiance:  The nursing home environment is more clinical with patients in private or semi-private rooms. In contrast, assisted living communities can maintain a home-like environment with residents living in apartments or suites that come with private baths and kitchenettes. The residents in assisted care facilities are generally in better health than those in nursing homes who may have chronic illnesses.

Recreational activities:  One of the key differences between the two facilities is the kind of activities they conduct. Most assisted living establishments offer activities like physical exercise, creative expression through art or other forms, and social events. Religious services and opportunities to volunteer in the community are also available. In nursing homes, a limited number of recreational activities are offered. Here, physical activity and exercise are aimed at recovery, improving mobility, and boosting the strength of residents. Additionally, these activities are usually supervised by an expert like a physical therapist.

Meals:  In assisted living facilities, residents can either cook for themselves in the kitchenettes provided in their apartments or enjoy their meals in the community dining room. These dining rooms could be open to people throughout the day or at fixed times during the day. Meal delivery services are also offered for a fee. Meals for residents in a nursing home are usually planned by dieticians, and depending on their preference and mobility, residents can eat in their rooms or the community dining room. Those that have trouble feeding themselves would be helped by an aide.

Cost:  According to a recent survey, the average per-month cost for assisted living care in the country is about $4,300. Nursing home care, on the other hand, could cost about $7,908–$9,034 per month, depending on whether it is a private or semi-private room.

One can opt for a nursing home or an assisted living and long-term care facility depending on the health and the extent of assistance needed for daily activities. However, one should visit the establishments a few times to determine if it is the right choice for them.