Nursing Home vs Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?

When your parents or loved ones begin to need help with daily life, families often wonder what type of care would be the best option: a nursing home or assisted living. Both options provide support and comfort, yet they meet different emotional and physical needs. Therefore, understanding the difference between the both will help you find the right home for your loved one where they will feel safe and happy. 

What is Nursing Home Care? 

A nursing home is a place that provides 24/7 skilled care for people who are in need of medical assistance every day. You will find nurses and doctors in the facility around the clock. This type of care is best for the seniors who have chronic health issues and need rehab after surgery or require assistance with their daily living needs such as eating or dressing. Home care services in Los Angeles will provide quality in-home care that allows seniors to receive nursing home care allowing them to continue aging in place. 

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is for elderly people who can still do many things for themselves but they do require some help with certain tasks such as cleaning, medicine or bathing. An Assisted Living Facility (ALF) feels more like an apartment than a hospital. Residents will have private bedrooms, living rooms and shared dining areas. 

They can also enjoy meal plans, social events and even their therapist visits when needed. However, there is a great difference between assisted living and home care which you must choose according to the requirements of the elderly.

What’s the Difference Between Nursing Home and Assisted Living?

While both nursing homes and assisted living offer comfort and care for seniors, the kind of help they provide is different. Here is a simple comparison between both will help you understand how they are differ:

Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One

It is important to choose the right care option but choosing the best may require time and consideration. The situation of every family is different, so considering both health needs and comfort level will help you make a better decision. 

• Assess Your Loved One’s Needs
  

You can start by looking at how much help your loved one needs. Whether they require full-time medical assistance or just need support during a certain time in a day. If a person has a problem of memory loss or Alzheimer, then assisted living for dementia or a memory care unit is best for them. In a serious condition, they may require a nursing home for dementia. 

• Explore Different Care Options
  

It is always better to explore different options because that will help you compare and decide the best option. You will know if you loved once can live there safely or not. If an individual can live on their own, then independent living or adult day care are more suitable, as these options provide meals, mild supervision and social activities. However, if they require medical attention then a convalescent home will be suitable.

• Check Qualifications and Experience
  

You must look for a reliable elder care facility which has trained staff and good reviews. Also, ensure the caregivers understand the medical condition of your elderly member properly and offer depression care at home or senior depression counseling whenever needed. Older people usually face mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, therefore they require both emotional and physical support.

• Prioritize Comfort and Compatibility
  

The ideal care home should feel comforting and inviting. You should take a look at the rooms, check their meal plans and also inquire about how they help new residents to adjust. 

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?

Individuals who are above to move around but still require some help with meals, taking medicines and dressing often qualifies for assisted living. 

Whereas those people who need daily medical attention such as feeding tube, help with oxygen,wound care are qualified for the medical senior care or nursing home. 

In most cases, doctors help the families in determining whether their loved one requires part time assistance or skilled care for 24/7.

Key Factors Influencing Costs Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

There are several factors that affect how much assisted living and nursing homes cost. Below are the key points that you can consider:

• Assisted living usually costs less because it focuses on social life and daily support instead of full medical care. 

• Nursing homes are more expensive since they offer 24/7 medical support, chronic care and rehab services for ongoing health conditions. 

•  Cost may vary depending on where the facility is located. Usually urban areas have higher prices as compared to small towns.

• Seniors who require part-time support or help tend to have lower costs than those who need full-time medical supervision.  

• Some seniors with a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) plan or a life plan have coverage for different care levels as their needs change over time.  
  

Ready to Explore the Best Option for Your Loved One? Schedule a Visit Today.

Choosing between assisted living and nursing facilities may seem hard but you must visit these places first because that will help you in deciding. You can explore the amenities and understand the support A Plus Care will provide. 

No matter what you choose, a home care, a retirement home or an ALF (Assisted Living Facility), what matters the most is that they find a place where they can feel safe, kind and full of care. Contact us today by calling at 323-918-5505.