As much as we wish we could all live out our final years in the comfort of our own homes, sometimes, the care from family, friends, and in-home nurses aren’t enough. There comes a time when moving into a full-time facility is necessary to get the best care for you or a loved one as they age. And the options can be overwhelming!
Most assisted living facilities offer essential services and benefits to residents, making them an attractive option for active seniors seeking a supportive living environment.
Is a trusted memory care facility the best option?
Do you go with an assisted living community, or more specifically, assisted living facilities? Or a nursing home? Are the two synonymous? Not exactly.
When it comes to a nursing home vs assisted living, there are some major differences, from the cost of care services to how accessible they may be. This guide will help you determine which is best for your needs and budget so that you can get the best possible care.
Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living: Key Differences to Know
When deciding between a nursing home and an assisted living community for a loved one, understanding the differences in care levels, lifestyle, and costs is essential. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice.
Level of Care
- Nursing Homes:
- Designed for individuals with complex medical needs or severe mobility impairments.
- Provide round-the-clock medical care and supervision for conditions like dementia or chronic illnesses.
- Assisted Living Communities:
- Offer support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Focus on maintaining independence while providing some medical assistance.
Lifestyle
- Assisted Living:
- Encourages an active, social lifestyle with opportunities for group activities, classes, and community events.
- Residents often enjoy greater autonomy and a homelike environment.
- Nursing Homes:
- Prioritize medical care and safety over recreational activities.
- May provide fewer social opportunities due to residents’ health conditions.
Cost
- Nursing Homes:
- Median monthly cost in 2024: $8,929–$10,025.
- Often covered by VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance.
- Assisted Living:
- Median monthly cost in 2024: $5,511.
- Generally paid for out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance.
Assessment Process
- Many facilities conduct health and lifestyle assessments to recommend the most suitable care.
- Evaluations include:
- Physical and medical needs.
- Ability to perform ADLs.
- Emotional and social requirements for support.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a nursing home and assisted living depends on the level of care required, your loved one’s personal preferences, and financial considerations. A professional assessment can provide clarity and ensure your loved one receives the right support for their needs.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of senior care that provides support with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. These communities are designed to encourage independence while offering a safe and secure environment for residents. Assisted living facilities are often more community-driven, focusing on promoting socialization and engagement among residents. In many assisted living communities, you’ll find a variety of social activities, group outings, and communal dining experiences that help foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This blend of support and independence makes assisted living an attractive option for seniors who need some assistance but still want to maintain an active and social lifestyle.
An assisted living facility is a long-term residential care option for elderly adults who need help with activities of daily living, such as:
- Grooming
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
Most assisted living communities also provide medication management, transportation, and social activities.
Who Benefits From Assisted Living?
Assisted living might also be called adult foster care or senior living communities and are great for elderly folks who continue to live pretty independently but within a community where they can get easy access to;
- Nutritious meals;
- Recreational activities;
- And minor medical care all in one place.
Assisted living residents enjoy greater independence compared to nursing home residents, including the ability to drive and manage their own living spaces, while also receiving essential support tailored to their individual needs.
Individuals who are ambulatory (can get around on their own) can thrive in an assisted living environment. Anyone who requires little to no intervention in terms of medical care or daily assistance are an ideal candidate for assisted living. Assisted living residents often enjoy a higher level of independence compared to those in nursing homes. Even some folks with early stages of Alzheimer’s can do well in smaller memory care units within assisted living.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
These facilities are often paid for out of pocket like paying rent, but residents can get some assistance from VA pensions, Medicaid, and other state-specific benefits. As of 2022, the median monthly cost of assisted living is $4,500 per resident. But this number can change drastically by state. Most assisted living facilities offer essential services such as meals, housekeeping, and social activities, but the cost can vary based on additional offerings and location.
For example, in Minnesota, where Sunflower Communities resides, the average monthly cost is $4,508, which is close to the median. But in Washington state that number climbs to $6,000, and on the East Coast, you’ll see costs even higher than that.
Pros and Cons of Assisted Living
As with anything, there are pros and cons to moving you or a loved one into an assisted living space.
✅ Pro: Seniors maintain a sense of independence.
❌ Con: There is less privacy than a standard senior-living apartment.
✅ Pro: There are many opportunities to socialize and entertain.
❌ Con: Costs can be quite high.
✅ Pro: Residents get help with daily activities as needed.
❌ Con: Residents may not receive adequate medical care or outgrow assisted living very rapidly.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home, on the other hand, is much more intensive and hands-on for individuals needing a little bit more assistance—which seems contradictory to the name of assisted living— but besides the point. Patients in nursing homes usually require more comprehensive and significant medical care than what’s possible in an assisted living community or at home. Nursing home residents often share rooms and require a higher level of medical assistance and supervision, reflecting a structured environment focused on medical assistance and safety, unlike the more independent, apartment-style living found in assisted living facilities.
Think of nursing homes as long-term hospital stay when you need more 24/7 medical attention. You’ll probably find fewer recreational activities, more staff-to-patient ratios, and more people in wheelchairs or walkers throughout the facility.
Who Benefits From Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes are designed for people who;
- Cannot live on their own;
- Need ongoing medical assistance;
- Require ambulatory services;
- Cannot do daily activities on their own (grooming, bathing, dressing, eating).
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides round-the-clock medical care for seniors with complex health needs, distinguishing it from assisted living options that focus more on daily living assistance rather than comprehensive medical treatment.
Nursing homes are highly beneficial to individuals who have tried other methods of care but are now in need of 24/7 care and easy access to medical professionals. Skilled nursing care is often a critical component of the services provided in nursing homes, ensuring that residents receive specialized medical attention. Nursing homes might also be for individuals who are on Medicaid and can’t afford other options.
How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?
It’s no secret that nursing homes can be very, very expensive. Seniorliving.org says that in 2022 the median monthly cost of private rooms in a nursing home is over $9,000. Getting a semi private room can save a bit of money with a cost of $7,908/month— which isn’t much less.
However, in comparison to assisted living which is more often paid for out-of-pocket, nursing homes are likely covered by VA, Medicaid, Medicare, or other benefits. A skilled nursing facility often incurs higher costs due to the complexity of care required, but these costs are frequently covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Pros and Cons of Nursing Homes
✅ Pro: Residents get round-the-clock care. Skilled nursing care ensures that residents receive specialized medical attention tailored to their needs.
❌ Con: They lose a lot of independence and privacy.
✅ Pro: Structured schedules, medication management, and regular social and interactive events.
❌ Con: Often overcrowded with poor staff-to-patient ratio.
✅ Pro: More opportunities to get coverage for monthly costs (VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid).
❌ Con: Very high cost and must meet certain financial requirements to get assistance.
Understanding the Differences
Assisted living and nursing homes are two distinct types of senior care that cater to different needs. Assisted living is suitable for residents who require help with daily living activities but can still maintain a level of independence. In contrast, nursing homes are designed for individuals who need more comprehensive medical care and assistance with almost all aspects of daily life. Understanding these differences is essential in making an informed decision about which type of care is best for you or your loved one. While assisted living focuses on providing a supportive community environment, nursing homes offer more intensive medical care and supervision, making them ideal for those with significant health issues.
Services and Support
Assisted living facilities provide support with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Many assisted living communities also offer additional services like housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, ensuring that residents have everything they need to live comfortably. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical and personal care to residents who require a higher level of care. This includes services such as wound care, physical therapy, and regular medical monitoring. The key difference lies in the level of medical support provided, with skilled nursing facilities being equipped to handle more complex health needs.
Level of Care
The level of care provided by assisted living facilities and nursing homes differs significantly. Assisted living facilities are designed for residents who need some assistance with daily living activities but do not require constant medical supervision. These facilities offer a supportive environment where residents can receive help as needed while maintaining a degree of independence. In contrast, nursing homes provide a higher level of care, including medical services and skilled nursing care. Nursing homes are designed for residents who require 24/7 medical and personal care, making them suitable for individuals with chronic health conditions or those recovering from serious illnesses or surgeries.
How to Choose
Choosing between nursing home vs assisted living care can be a difficult decision. It’s essential to assess your needs and consider factors such as your level of independence, medical needs, and personal preferences. Start by evaluating how much hands-on care is required now and in the future. Consider any chronic medical conditions that need to be managed and whether you prefer a more social environment or one with more privacy. Budget is also a crucial factor, as the costs of these facilities can vary widely. Finally, check if nursing home care is covered by any benefits or insurance plans you have. By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision that best suits your or your loved one’s needs.
The Final Verdict: Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living
The best decision for you or a loved one depends on many factors. The key is to evaluate current and future needs to make the best determination of what senior living situation will be ideal.
Some important things to consider are:
- How much hands-on care is required now and in the future?
- Are there any chronic medical conditions that need to be managed?
- What is the budget for senior living?
- Is nursing home care covered by any benefits or insurance plans?
- Do you want more privacy or opportunities to socialize and interact with others?
- Is medical or non-medicals transportation required?
Answers to these questions will help to narrow down the best option. If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to work with a Sunflower Communities representative. We can help you get yourself or your family members placed where they will thrive.
Choosing the Right Senior Living Community
Sunflower Communities is not just assisted living or nursing home— we are a one-of-a-kind senior living community. Many assisted living communities offer a range of services and amenities, but Sunflower Communities stands out with its unique approach to senior care. From our gorgeous and unique rooms to daily activities and one-on-one support, we have everything you need to get the care and attention you or your loved one needs.
Our residents thrive in an environment that offers independence paired with fun events, socializing, and the necessary hands-on medical services they deserve and need. Fill out our contact form to learn more and schedule a tour!