Health

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Is There a Difference between the Two?

Assisted living, otherwise known as adult foster care, is a housing facility for older adults with disabilities who need help with daily care, which is provided in a social, home-like setting. 

On the other hand, nursing homes, also known as intermediate care nursing facilities, are long-term care facilities for older adults that cannot care for themselves that provide personal and medical care in a clinical setting. 

This post discusses the main differences between assisted living and nursing homes so that you can choose an option that best suits your older loved one’s needs. 

Differences between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

1: Available Living Space

Residents in assisted living facilities usually live in shared or individual apartments with living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. 

Contrarily, residents in nursing homes live in shared or individual rooms with en-suite bathrooms. 

2: Range of Medical Services

Residents in assisted living facilities can access medication attention; however, the medical attention they receive depends on their individual needs. 

For example, an assisted living facility may help transport residents to doctor appointments, help residents take medications, or offer special areas for individuals with conditions that affect memory.

On the other hand, residents in nursing homes can access medical care round-the-clock. Nursing homes have a nursing staff that helps care for residents with chronic illnesses. 

They also offer rehabilitative services such as speech, respiratory, physical, and occupational therapy for residents who need them. 

3: Assistance with Daily Activities

Assisted living facilities like the Life Care Center of Gwinnett to help residents perform daily activities such as bathing, getting dressed, or getting in and out of bed. 

These facilities also provide additional services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry for residents who need them. 

In nursing homes, most residents need extensive help performing their daily activities. The nursing staff helps residents eat, bathe, get dressed, walk or climb stairs, take medication, or use the restroom. 

Nursing homes also have a kitchen staff that prepares meals and a cleaning staff that takes care of laundry and maintains the cleanliness of the facility. 

4: Available Recreational Activities

Assisted living facilities offer a broad range of activities residents can engage in. Research shows that staying socially connected and physically active is crucial to providing happiness and maintaining the physical health of physical adults. 

Many assisted living facilities offer socializing, physical exercise, and creative expression opportunities. Some also offer opportunities to volunteer in the community and participate in religious services.

In contrast, nursing homes offer a limited variety of recreational activities. Most nursing homes offer cooking classes, educational courses, art classes, and mentally stimulating games like scrabble and crosswords. 

5: The Average Cost

The average cost of assisted living is $4,500 per month (or $148), while nursing homes cost $9,034 per month (or $297 per day).

Turn to Life Care Center of Gwinnett for Assisted Living Care

Picking the place your older loved one will be the happiest is not a walk in the park. It is also not a decision you should make on your own. Talk to your family, your older loved one’s doctor, and the staff and residents at the facility you are considering. 

Remember, your older loved one will be happiest at a facility that makes them feel the safest, most comfortable, and well cared for. 

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