Are you worried about a loved one and their care?
A lot of us fear what might happen to our aging parents or other aging relatives as they get to a certain age. They can’t look after themselves and they’ll need some kind of care facility: a nursing home or assisted living.
But what are the differences, and which one is better? We’re here to help you out with the key differences between nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Only by knowing what is assisted living vs nursing home can figure out what’s best.
Keep reading to learn more!
The Services Offered in Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
There are many differences between assisted living and nursing homes. The services offered in each type of facility can differ greatly. Here are some key differences between what is assisted living vs nursing home:
Assisted Living
This is a type of facility that provides care for those who are unable to fully care for themselves but do not need the intensity of care that is provided in a nursing home. The type of care provided in an assisted living facility includes help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Assisted living facilities also typically provide social and recreational activities for residents.
Nursing Home
This is a type of facility that provides care for those who are unable to fully care for themselves and need a higher level of care than what is provided in an assisted living facility.
The type of care provided in a nursing home includes help with activities of daily living, as well as medical care.
The Cost of Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes
There are a lot of similarities between assisted living and nursing homes, but there are also some key differences. One of the biggest differences is the cost. Assisted living is typically much more affordable than nursing homes.
Assisted living is also a good option for people who don’t need as much care as those in nursing homes. Nursing homes are more expensive because they provide around-the-clock care and have more staff.
They also have more amenities, like private rooms and on-site therapy. If you’re considering assisted living or nursing homes, it’s important to understand the differences to make the best decision for your needs.
Which Type of Facility Is Right for You or Your Loved One?
When it comes to choosing between an assisted living facility and a nursing home, there are several important factors to consider. One of the most important is the level of care that is needed.
If your loved one requires a high level of care, then a nursing home is likely the better option. However, if they only need occasional assistance with activities of daily living, then an assisted living facility may be a better fit.
Other important factors to consider include cost, location, and amenities. The best decision is one that meets the individual needs of your loved one. You can also check out more here for quality assisted living services.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
There are many benefits of assisted living vs nursing homes. The main benefit is that assisted living is much less expensive than nursing homes. Assisted living also provides much more personal care and attention than nursing homes.
Nursing homes are often overcrowded and understaffed, which can lead to poor care for residents. Assisted living facilities are smaller and have a higher staff-to-resident ratio.
Nursing homes typically only offer basic medical care and general supervision, while assisted living facilities offer a variety of amenities such as transportation, laundry and cleaning services, meal plans, and social and recreational activities.
The Benefits of Nursing Homes
There are some benefits to nursing homes that you may not find in assisted living. These include more comprehensive care, a higher level of security, and a greater sense of community.
If you are considering a nursing home, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it is the right option for you.
The Drawbacks of Assisted Living
There are a few drawbacks of assisted living. Some assisted living facilities may not provide the level of social interaction that some residents desire.
This is because most assisted living facilities are smaller than nursing homes, and may not have the same number of activities and events that nursing homes do.
The Drawbacks of Nursing Homes
One of the biggest drawbacks of nursing homes is that they can be very expensive. The cost of care can be a financial burden for many families, particularly if a nursing home is needed for an extended period of time.
Nursing homes can also be emotionally challenging places to visit, as they often house individuals who are very ill or have cognitive impairments. They can also be impersonal and restrictive, with little opportunity for residents to socialize or pursue their own interests.
Learn More About What Is Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
There are many differences between assisted living and nursing homes. The most notable differences are the level of care each facility provides, the cost of each type of care, and the length of stay for each type of facility.
If you are considering long-term care for a loved one, be sure to research on what is assisted living vs nursing home to make the best decision for their individual needs.
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
