Skilled Nursing vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?

As we age, it is inevitable that a time will come when we will have to consider senior care options for yourself and your loved ones. Whether that means in-home care or moving into a senior care facility will be determined by a number of factors including the abilities and mobility of the senior, whether or not memory care is needed, how much family is available to help, and finances.

If your choice is moving your senior loved one into a care facility, the two most popular options are assisted living and skilled nursing. While the two terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, there are certain distinctions that set them apart from each other.

When researching your options for senior care, it’s important to understand the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing in order to decide which option best suits your situation. Each type of facility offers its own unique levels of assistance with daily activities and the amount of medical care it provides.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities are commonly referred to as retirement or senior living communities, and provide a residential living environment for seniors who are mostly independent, but for whatever reason no longer want to live at home, or are unable to remain at home safely.

The home-like environment of an assisted living community offers private and shared rooms or apartments, and provides assistance with ADLs (assistance with daily living) as needed, such as housekeeping and laundry services, bathing, grocery shopping, medication management, and more.

Typically, these communities offer shared indoor and outdoor areas for social and recreational activities, as well as transportation services for medical appointments, shopping trips, group outings, and more.

What is Skilled Nursing?

A nursing home is another term used to refer to a skilled nursing facility. This type of senior care facility is specifically designed to offer support to patients who require a higher level of assistance with daily activities and medical care, and can no longer safely live at home.

Seniors who reside in a skilled nursing facility are provided with around the clock inpatient medical care and assistance with daily needs. Skilled nursing facilities have a team of medical professionals including registered and licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists to ensure that residents receive the care they require.

According to Medicare, skilled care is defined as “medical care that can only be safely and effectively performed by, or under the supervision of, professionals or technical personnel.” Medicare generally covers the cost of skilled nursing facilities, which includes skilled nursing care, rooms, meals, medical supplies and equipment, and required therapies, but not the cost of assisted living facilities.

How Do Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Differ?

While both assisted living and skilled nursing facilities provide medical care and assistance with daily activities, the level of care needed varies greatly between the two. The key difference lies in the independence level and skill of care that a patient requires while in residence.

Assisted living residents generally require less assistance with basic needs than those in skilled nursing facilities. They may need some extra help with housekeeping, medication management, and personal hygiene, but they feel more comfortable knowing staff is available if needed. While emergency medical care is available 24/7, assisted living communities typically do not provide the same comprehensive medical care services as skilled nursing facilities. Instead, they offer a calendar of scheduled recreational and social activities for more independent seniors.

In contrast, residents of skilled nursing facilities in NC require around-the-clock medical care, supervision, and assistance with daily activities. These seniors often have complex or chronic illnesses and extensive medical needs they cannot address on their own. Patients are usually fully dependent on medical staff for their medical and daily needs, including individuals who cannot bathe or feed themselves, cannot move safely, and those with advanced stages of dementia.

Conclusion

If the time has come to consider living options for yourself or your senior loved one, Adams Farm Living & Rehabilitation is here to help. Our dedicated care staff is always available to answer your questions, and will work with you to determine the best option of care to meet your individual needs.

We are dedicated to providing compassionate care in a manner that nurtures the

physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of all those we serve. Contact us today to learn more.