Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are not the same thing. They are actually completely different. So, how do you know which is best for you or a loved one? The following will help you see the differences between nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
About Assisted Living Facilities
Those living at an assisted living facility live in their own apartments with kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and a separate living area just like in a regular apartment. This releases residents from the care and maintenance of a house while still allowing them to live on their own.
Those living at an assisted living facility are usually in reasonably good health. They require no or limited medical care.
Those living at an assisted living facility are independent. They live private, self-sufficient lives, except for a few assistance needs.
Those living at an assisted living facility enjoy freedom and independence, while being protected in a secure atmosphere.
Those living at an assisted living facility only need help with a few simple daily activities such as cooking, laundry, bathing, and household chores.
Those living at an assisted living facility are active and do not need help just to make it through the day. They make their own decisions and enjoy social activities.
Those living at an assisted living facility receive only the care needed.
About Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents often share rooms with other patients and have very little privacy. The rooms resemble hospital rooms and are not equipped with kitchens like assisted living facility apartments.
Nursing home residents are typically not in good health, either mentally or physically, and need a great deal of medical care. They receive around-the-clock nursing and the home is equipped with hospital equipment.
Nursing home residents need help with many or all daily activities including, eating, dressing, bathing, and going to the restroom.
Nursing home residents are not active. They are usually wheelchair bound or confined to a bed.
Nursing home residents are not ready for hospital care, but need daily care because they are unable to live on their own.
Nursing home residents receive physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments to help them become independent and possibly move to an assisted living facility. For example, a patient recovering from a stroke may only be a temporary resident.
Nursing home residents are patients who are there to get well or to live out their lives.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are quite different. A person who is active and fairly independent would be miserable in a nursing home while a person who requires a lot of assistance and medical care needs a nursing home.
