Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: What Are the Differences?

Caring for your loved one includes finding the most suitable care environment for their physical, emotional, and social needs. With several long-term care options to choose from, understanding the differences in care environments can help you make an informed decision.

Nursing homes and assisted living communities both provide long-term care for older adults who require assistance with daily activities. The main difference between the two is that nursing home care is most appropriate for those who require intensive medical care, while assisted living is great for older adults who are relatively self-sufficient.

In addition to the levels of care that these senior living options provide, other differences include their respective environments and financial costs.

What is a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing, provide comprehensive medical care and support for residents who require constant medical supervision and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Residents in nursing homes typically have extensive and complex medical needs that necessitate continuous professional care. This can include those experiencing severe chronic illness, rehabilitation from injury or falls, or post-surgery care. 

During their stay, residents can expect to partake in activities tailored to promote their physical and mental wellness. These include social activities, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy under a team of healthcare professionals including registered nurses, and rehabilitation therapists. 

Understanding Assisted Living

Assisted living communities offer a level of care that’s tailored to older adults who need some assistance with ADLs, but who don’t require intensive medical care.

Residents in assisted living are generally mobile, independent, and relatively self-sufficient, but benefit from support with grooming, meal preparation, and medication management.

In addition to 24/7 ongoing professional care, residents have access to various services and amenities aimed to enhance their comfort and enjoyment. This helps residents stay active and engaged, reduces their feelings of isolation, and improves their overall well-being by letting them focus on social connections and leisure activities without worrying about mundane daily tasks. 

Assisted living also recognizes that the needs of residents tend to change as their health status evolves. That’s why these communities provide ongoing reassessments that develop and update residents’ personalized care plans.

Ultimately, assisted living helps bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home care. This allows older adults to live in a community environment where they can enjoy social connections, recreational activities, and a degree of independence while still receiving the care that they need.  

Differences Between a Nursing Home & Assisted Living

Understanding the difference between nursing homes and assisted living communities helps families determine the most suitable care environment for their loved ones. This is an important step, as a person’s living environment can influence their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. 

Level of Care

One of the most significant differences between nursing homes and assisting living lies in the level of medical care that they provide.

Nursing homes offer comprehensive medical services, including skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapies, and ongoing medical supervision. 

In contrast, assisted living focuses on providing support with daily activities and promoting independence for those who are relatively self-sufficient. It doesn’t offer the same intensive medical care found in nursing homes.

The differences in these levels of care can help determine which senior living option is most suitable for a given person.

Living Environment

Another major difference lies in environment and atmosphere. 

Nursing homes often have a more clinical setting. They somewhat resemble a hospital in terms of access to medical equipment, and healthcare professionals are readily available. While this setup is necessary for those with complex medical needs, it may feel less like a home. 

On the other hand, assisted living aims to create a more comfortable and personable environment. These communities often feature residential-style accommodations, communal living spaces, and a variety of social and recreational activities that promote a sense of belonging and community.

Financial Cost

Cost is another differentiating factor between nursing homes and assisted living. 

Nursing homes typically have higher costs due to the extensive medical care and specialized services they provide. These expenses may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, depending on the individual’s eligibility and the specific services required.

Assisted living communities tend to be more affordable, with costs varying based on the level of care and amenities offered. Long-term care insurance or out-of-pocket payments are common ways to cover assisted living expenses.

These differences emphasize the importance of evaluating the specific needs and preferences of an individual when choosing between a nursing home and assisted living. Each option serves distinct purposes with tailored environments and levels of care.

Schedule a Visit

Understanding the difference between nursing home care and assisted living is vital when choosing the right care environment for your loved one. Your decision should depend on various factors, including your loved one’s health status, care needs, and personal preferences. Connect with our team at Peregrine Senior Living to schedule a visit to our assisted living community and learn more about our Peregrine approach to resident care.