What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

There will come a time when you and your siblings will gather around the dinner table to talk about your parents’ living conditions. As your parents get older, their safety and their needs become your primary concerns.

It can be unsafe if they continue to live in their house with no one to look after them considering that their children are all grown and have families of their own. The most practical decision is to seek assisted living in Vernon Hills or a nursing home.

While it’s true that this decision involves a lot of emotions, sometimes you have to see beyond the emotions and be practical about it. There is always the possibility your parents will be unwilling to give up their complete independence and they might not like the idea of leaving their home where they spent most of their lifetime making memories.

But again, there will come a point where the most logical thing to do is to ask for assistance especially when it’s something you and everyone else in the family won’t be able to give.  

Senior living usually offers two different types of approaches – assisted living and nursing homes. Many people use these two interchangeably believing that they are one and the same. These two aren’t the same and when you’re making a big decision such as this, it pays to be informed.

Knowing the differences will help you decide what type of facility to choose based on the level of care your parents need.

Assisted Living Versus Nursing Homes

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

The biggest difference between assisted living and a nursing home is the level of care being offered. Assisted living is merely providing assistance to seniors with their usual daily activities. Individuals who live in assisted living facilities are still able to have as much independence as possible.  

However, staff will be readily available when help is needed. Examples of daily activities that the staff is trained to help their in-house residents with include doing laundry, housekeeping, showering, dressing, and preparing meals.

Most seniors in assisted living facilities get to enjoy their own space like a private room, a condominium, or an apartment. Medical assistance will be also be available if residents need it. Assisted living facilities may have an in-house nurse or a clinic so that medical care can be provided at any given time.

The primary focus of an assisted living facility is to ensure that seniors receive the assistance they need to perform activities of daily living. Since many residents are capable of completing some tasks on their own, constant supervision is not necessary and residents can enjoy their privacy whenever they want. They can choose to socialize with other seniors only when they feel like it.

Many seniors prefer assisted living because it gives them a sense of normalcy and autonomy all while making them part of a dynamic community. It’s an experience that’s similar to being at home, so the transition won’t be that dramatic.  

If your parents require care around the clock, a nursing home would be a better option for them.

What is a Nursing Home?

Another term for a nursing home is a long-term care home. The level of care given is more complex compared to assisted living. Most of the residents in nursing homes have mental, physical, and medical needs that can only be catered to by a nursing home staff.  

Nursing home staff are trained to help residents with their day-to-day activities, in addition to providing efficient medical care. Examples of the care they provide include medication management, rehabilitative care, administration of medications, and cognitive impairment management like in the case of Alzheimer’s.

If your parents require full-time care, then a nursing home would be a good place for them where they will be receiving medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is highly beneficial for seniors who need to be closely watched and monitored.

When making this big decision, always include your parents in the discussion, especially if they are still mentally capable. They have to know the facts and be informed about what to expect so they feel completely on board with this next step in their life.

Assisted living facilities allow family members to freely visit residents whenever they want. Being in an assisted living facility or a nursing home will not in any way affect your family quality time, but in a nursing home, you will be asked to sign in before entering, and their visiting hours are fixed.

Are the Costs the Same?

The amount of money needed is an important topic when deciding between assisted living and nursing homes. The cost varies depending on the location and the features and amenities of the facility. It’s wise to make calls and compare prices to help you find a facility that matches your budget.

It's always important to ask as many questions as possible so you know exactly what to expect. Don’t worry, because many facilities offer insurances and veteran’s benefits. Meanwhile, nursing homes have a fixed cost since it is government-regulated. If you don’t have the money, there will always be an available bed at a nursing home as long as the senior is eligible.  

Assisted Living in Vernon Hills or a Nursing Home: Have You Decided?

The first step to knowing where to take your parents is to have an honest discussion with them. Ask them about their wants, tell them about their needs and once you’ve figured that out, you will then know what’s the best option for your parents based on their current situation.

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the best place for your parents. We have been working with over 230 communities and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the array of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes. We’re ready to answer any questions you might have.

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