The Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Camellia Place Assisted Living

Assisted living and nursing homes both emphasize maintaining their residents’ well-being. However, Assisted living communities often focus on independence and offer activities that encourage physical movement, mental stimulation, and interpersonal relationships with others.

If you or your loved one wants a vibrant lifestyle with fewer responsibilities of food preparation, laundry, and household duties, assisted living is an excellent choice for you.

Let’s break down some of the main differences between assisted living and nursing homes. We understand the main distinctions between these two senior living options are the availability of assistive or medical services, the type of housing, and the cost.

Residents at assisted living communities may require some assistance with housekeeping, dressing, personal care, managing medications, and other daily duties, but they still maintain independence. Nursing home residents need care and supervision all the time. They frequently have more severe medical conditions that necessitate the help of a trained nurse or a physical or speech therapist. Some people need services for respiratory care.

Assisted Living Residents Bedroom Suite at Camellia Place

Residents in assisted living communities can access life-enrichment activities in a one- on-one or group setting and three healthy meals daily. Residents in nursing homes also receive services like food, laundry, and housekeeping in addition to a restricted number of recreational activities.

Residents in assisted living communities often have apartments or suites with private baths and kitchenettes, and the complexes are designed to seem like homes. Residents at nursing homes often reside in private or semi-private rooms without a living room or kitchen and experience a more clinical environment.

Residents in assisted living communities often pay less than those at nursing homes. The most recent Cost of Care Survey from Genworth estimates that the median cost of assisted living in the United States in 2021 will be $4,300 per month. According to Genworth, the median monthly cost of nursing homes in the U.S. in 2021 will be around $7,908 for a semi-private room and $9,034 for a private room.

Sunrise-at-Camellia-Place-Woodstock-Georgia
There are, however, areas of care, or what are known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), where both offer assistance.
  • Medication Management: The most common reason older persons visit the
    emergency room is medication mistakes. It might be challenging to keep up with
    them, particularly for seniors who take many pills daily. Residents living in any
    community can safely manage their medication.
  • Life Enrichment: We know that loneliness and isolation put older persons at
    higher risk for health issues like depression, diabetes, and hypertension.
    Assisted living communities and nursing homes offer numerous activities to
    address their residents’ physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements.
  • Supportive Services: The need for assistance with chores like housekeeping,
    laundry, and transportation drives many senior citizens to move into some senior
    living. These services are provided in both types of communities.
  • Safe Environment: Assisted living communities and nursing homes have distinct
    physical configurations, but both are created with an older person’s security in
    mind. Both incorporate elements to aid residents in staying safe, such as
    handrails, grab bars, and emergency call systems.
  • Balanced Meals: Both kinds of communities emphasize good nutrition. Each
    day, residents receive balanced meals and wholesome snacks.
Contact Camellia Place for more information on assisted living and how you or your loved one can benefit from a vibrant community of friendly neighbors and excellent caregivers.

Interested in Assisted Living?

Download our free Ebook you will learn…

  • What Assisted Living is and is Not

    Discover the variety of assisted living choices and how they differ from other residential Senior living options.

  • How to Know When Assisted Living is Needed

    Knowing whether to remain where you are or move to where assistance is readily available can be a stressful decision. Learning some key indicators and demystifying the process can be very reassuring.

  • What to Look for to Determine Your Best Option

    Understanding what to look for and what questions to ask can help you find a community that is perfectly suited to your preferences and your needs.

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