What Makes Assisted Living Different Than A Nursing Home?
An assisted living facility and a nursing home are not the same, and while a person may live in a nursing home, they can be transferred to assisted living or vice versa. Whether you are thinking of moving into a facility where you can get some help living comfortably, or you have aging parents or other loved ones you're concerned about, you should know the main differences between an assisted living center and a nursing home.
Keep in mind that every nursing home and assisted living center operate differently, and the following doesn't list all the differences—there are also many similarities between the two as well. The following is to simply help you understand the main differences between the two types of facilities so you can make more informed decisions for your yourself or a loved one.
Assisted living is more independent
Assisted living is more for people who can largely live on their own but need some basic help to thrive. If you or a loved one are mainly independent and just need some help with light cleaning or hygiene, then an assisted living facility can be a great option. In an assisted living situation, a personal apartment or room is usually available, and the facility itself will often only have a few staff members available to help out residents on an as-needed basis only.
A nursing home is more for people who cannot live on their own and need help with many things, from getting dressed to eating. If you or a loved one need nearly round-the-clock care to live comfortably, then a nursing home is likely best. A transition to assisted living can be made once improvements in physical and mental health have been made.
Assisted living is more flexible
Assisted living comes in many forms, from a community for aging or disabled people to whole centers where people have their private spaces within one main large building. How and where you live is up to you and your budget, and your overall abilities. You can start out living in an assisted living facility and transition to a nursing home if you have to undergo physical therapy, have a major illness, or if your condition worsens to the point at which you need more care.
Both assisted living and nursing homes have rules and regulations regarding pets, visitors, and other allowances, so check with facilities beforehand to find out what might work best for your needs. Your doctor or healthcare provider can help you make the decision regarding care and where to live as well.
