Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home

If your loved one has experienced a health complication or is struggling with the daily tasks of living, it may be time to consider senior care. While you might have a general idea of the kind of care your parent or loved one needs, it’s important to take the time to research the options available to them. The first step in this process is understanding the difference between assisted living Vs nursing home.

In short, assisted living communities offer a much more relaxed environment than traditional hospitals. A senior can stay in a comfortable apartment with their own kitchen and bath, while meals are prepared on-site and the help they need with activities of daily living is provided by staff members. Assisted living community residents are typically not in constant need of medical assistance assisted living Vs nursing home and can manage their medications on their own.

A nursing home, on the other hand, is a regulated facility that offers around-the-clock care for seniors who cannot live independently due to a serious illness or injury. Nursing homes are staffed with registered nurses and licensed practical and vocational nurses who can provide a higher level of medical care than an assisted living residence can. In addition to providing regular access to nursing care, nursing homes also have on-site resources like physical, speech and occupational therapy. They are often more expensive than assisted living facilities, but many of the services they offer can be covered by Medicare for the first 21 days after a hospital stay.

Depending on your parent’s specific needs, either type of senior care could be the right option. The best way to know for sure is to consult with a healthcare professional, like your loved one’s physician or nurse practitioner. They will be able to help you decide what the next steps should be and how to find a home that meets those needs.

Once you’ve decided on the level of care that your loved one requires, it is important to look at your financial situation. The cost of assisted living and nursing homes vary, but you can find a wide range of options online or by visiting local communities. Whether you are looking for an assisted living community or a nursing home, make sure you tour the facilities and ask lots of questions to ensure your loved one will be happy in their new home.

As you begin your search, it is important to remember that your parent’s needs and preferences will change over time. If they have lived in one home for a while, it may be difficult to move them again, so you’ll want to think about future needs in your research.

If you’re ready to learn more about assisted living for yourself or a loved one, get started on our free, personalized senior care locator today. Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right care for their family’s unique needs. Let us do the same for yours!