Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard “nursing home” and “assisted living” used interchangeably. These terms mean different things for seniors looking for post-retirement housing.
Assisted living offers unique benefits for residents that nursing homes may not provide. Here’s what you need to know about both.
The Level of Care Your Loved One Needs
The type of senior living your loved one moves to will be highly dependent on the level of assistance they need.
Assisted living is designed to foster seniors’ independence, social lives, and hobbies.
In assisted living, your loved one receives help with daily tasks that are physically taxing. This includes the basics: eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and staying safe.
Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide long-term and in-depth medical care. As the name suggests, many nursing homes are staffed with Registered Nurses who specialize in senior care.
Your loved one may need a nursing home if he or she cannot perform the majority of the required tasks of daily living on their own. Nursing homes provide special cognitive and physical health care benefits.
How Assisted Living Nurtures Aging Adults
Assisted living communities are the perfect places for aging adults who are still highly independent and active. If your loved one enjoys socializing, participating in hobbies, and getting outdoors, assisted living may be right for them.
Strong Social Networks
Social health should never be overlooked when it comes to aging adults. Elderly people with poor social lives are at higher risk of serious mental and physical health problems — as are people of any age.
Assisted living communities foster long-lasting social connections between residents. These communities often host events that bring residents together and offer fun activities.
Assistance with a Few Tasks
If your loved one is in otherwise good health but needs help with some daily tasks, such as bathing and dressing, assisted living is likely the ideal option for them.
The supportive, caring staff members of assisted living communities help residents with personal care and housekeeping. This means your loved one never has to worry about falling in the shower or managing their household chores on their own.
Health and Fitness Programs
Most assisted living communities emphasize physical activity for residents. Daily exercise, even just walking outdoors at a moderate pace, can protect against serious health problems later in life.
Some assisted living communities offer group fitness classes, swimming pools, and personalized wellness plans. Nutrition and physical activity are vital keys to a long, healthy life!
Should You Choose a Nursing Home or Assisted Living?
It all boils down to how much medical and cognitive support your loved one needs. If your loved one requires more extensive care, a nursing home may be the best option for them.
On the other hand, if your loved one enjoys lots of hobbies, sports, and exercise but just needs some extra help, assisted living is the place to go.