How is an Assisted Living Facility different from a Nursing Home?

Assisted living communities are often compared with nursing homes. This is mostly because both types of senior living are similar and, in many cases, a senior care facility may offer both nursing home services and assisted living residences. In addition, a nursing home is the term that has been most commonly used for senior residences that offer healthcare while assisted living is a more recent type of senior care offering that caters to those who seek a bit less care and more independence. Nursing homes have provided living options for seniors in needs of varying levels of medical supervision for years while assisted living residences have become more popular in the last few decades.

 

Differences in Care Options between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

The main differences between assisted living facilities and nursing homes is the level of care a resident receives and the freedom the resident is allowed. In nursing homes, many residents are under constant medical supervision, in need of assistance with daily living and are not capable of living independently anymore. Nursing home residents typically are unable to leave the facility on their own, mainly because they are physically or mentally unable to. Assisted living residents do not need as much hands-on medical attention. They might require assistance with medicine management, bathing and other tasks, but they are capable of handling most daily living on their own. Assisted living residents might still drive, cook their own meals, come and go freely, while still having the security of medical supervision and social interaction with other residents.

 

Facility Differences between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

It is also important to understand that when one thinks of a nursing home, one probably thinks of a facility with several rooms, maybe 2 beds to a room or single rooms, nurses or aides roaming the halls, checking on residences and providing medical assistance. There are usually cafeterias and social areas where the residents eat and can interact. Although many assisted living facilities may resemble nursing homes, many licensed assisted living residences are drastically different. They can range from a converted house that looks more like a bed and breakfast to a huge campus with plenty of apartments. Since each state sets regulations on assisted living licensing, there is a wide diversity of licensed assisted living residences.

The table below compares the services of a Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Facility:

Services offered in Assisted Living Facilities Compared with Nursing Homes Assisted Living Nursing Homes Minor Medical Supervision Yes Yes Extensive Medical Care No Skilled Nursing Yes Personal Care Assistance (bathing, dressing, etc.) Yes Yes 24-hour supervision Yes Yes Security and Emergency Call Systems Yes Yes Housekeeping Services Yes Yes Social Activities Yes Yes Meals Yes Yes Resident’s Freedom More Independence More Restrictive Transportation Yes Yes Most Resident’s Health Average Health Issues More Severe Health Problems Medicare Accepted? Private Pay In Many Cases

 

Please note the comparisons above are to illustrate the general differences between typical assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In many cases, assisted living facilities are located on campuses or in the same building complex as nursing homes, so the types of services available can vary widely. Since no nationwide standard exists defining assisted living facilities, the range of services offered will vary greatly.