Choosing senior care can feel daunting, whether you’re deciding on your own next move or support for a loved one. Understanding varying levels of care, such as the difference between assisted living and nursing home care, is a great place to start.
This guide looks at assisted living vs nursing home options so you can gain insight that makes you more confident in your decision. Abbey Manor’s residential assisted living offers compassionate, customized assisted living care, and we invite families to learn as much as they can before making such decisions for their loved ones.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home: Quick Comparison
What Each Care Option Means
While assisted living and nursing homes both offer care for older adults, they cater to varying needs.
Many assisted living communities provide a moderate level of support for daily activities and limited medical care. Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, offer 24-7 medical care from licensed nurses and other staff.
Assisted living may be best for older adults who are mostly independent but need some help with daily tasks. Nursing homes may be better for individuals with serious or chronic health conditions that require full-time medical supervision.
At-a-Glance Table of Key Differences
| Assisted living | Nursing home | |
|---|---|---|
| Level of care | Moderate and focused on security, support, and independent living | 24-7 medical support and care |
| Daily life | Residents can choose their own routines, often joining in on community activities | Routines are more structured, and there’s a bigger focus on clinical care |
| Privacy and independence | Private or semi-private rooms or apartments; independence, socialization, and activity are encouraged | Private or shared rooms, generally fewer options for independence |
| Typical amenities | Housekeeping, communal dining and meal services, social events, transportation, fitness classes, or rooms, and beauty services | They typically provide a variety of activities and social opportunities, such as planned recreational programs and communal dining. |
| Costs and considerations | Not generally covered by health insurance, long-term care insurance may help, and assisted living is usually less expensive than nursing home care | Costs are higher due to intensive clinical care, but they may be partly or completely covered by insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid |
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home in Terms of Daily Life?
Independence and Lifestyle
Assisted living communities offer private or semi-private rooms or spaces, flexibility and active communities for enhanced socialization. Nursing homes are more structured. While there may be some opportunity for activity and community, the focus is on meeting medical needs.
Personal Care and Support
The level of personal care is quite different when looking at a nursing home vs assisted living communities. In assisted living, staff are available to help with daily tasks and wellness as needed. However, there’s an expectation that the individual will be able to maintain some level of independence and be an active component of their own care.
In a nursing home, this expectation is reduced. Staff offer 24-7 support, advanced clinical care, and rehabilitation services as appropriate.
What Is the Difference Between Nursing Home and Assisted Living Care Levels?
Medical Services and Oversight
Assisted living communities offer limited medical support. Staff may help coordinate care with outside providers. Nursing home staff offer in-house 24-7 skilled nursing care.
Staffing and Regulations
Nursing homes have higher levels of licensing requirements and must meet more stringent staffing regulations due to the care requirements of residents. However, assisted living communities must also meet regulations, and Abbey Manor’s caring and experienced team adheres to all laws and requirements.
Costs and Financial Considerations
Typical Cost Ranges
Assisted living generally costs less than nursing home care. However, the level of care you need, the services offered by the community, and your geographical location all impact price.
What to Consider Financially
Consider your budget and what resources are available when discussing care options.
Nursing home stays can be mostly covered with Medicaid. However, Medicaid eligibility can require you to spend down your own assets, using them to pay for costs before coverage begins. Insurance companies may also limit covered lengths of stay.
Assisted living residents tend to pay expenses out of pocket. Some state Medicare plans offer assistance programs based on financial aid, and there are options for veterans.
How to Decide Which Is Right for Your Loved One?
Key Questions to Ask
When choosing between assisted living and nursing home care, consider questions such as:
- What support do they need every day?
- How much independence do they prefer?
- What kind of environment feels comfortable and safe?
Tips for Touring Communities
- Schedule your visit during a typical weekday or mealtime to see daily life in action
- Bring a checklist to compare multiple communities
- Talk to residents, if possible, to get honest impressions
- Pay attention to cleanliness, odors, and staff-resident interactions
- Look for safety features like handrails, call buttons, and secured entries
- Ask staff questions such as:
- What kind of medical or nursing care is available on-site?
- How are care plans created and updated for each resident?
- What is your staff-to-resident ratio, especially on evenings and weekends?
- What’s included in the monthly cost, and what costs extra?
- How do you handle medical emergencies or hospital transfers?
Schedule a personal tour at Abbey Manor to experience our warm, supportive environment.
Assisted Living and Nursing Home Difference: Common Myths
Myth 1: They Are the Same
Both provide a home and care for older adults, but the level of care, amenities, and independence offered are not the same.
Myth 2: Nursing Homes Are the Only Choice When Care Is Needed
While assisted living communities don’t offer the same level of medical care, they can meet the needs of many older adults. Within these communities, seniors can get regular, professional support for medication management and collaborative help in managing medical, lifestyle, and other needs.
Myth 3: Assisted Living Means Giving Up All Independence
In many cases, assisted living services empower older adults to remain as independent as possible. They can remain in a private room or apartment and make their own activity choices while receiving daily support as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Learn More About Your Senior Living Options?
Take time to research your options, asking questions to understand the level of care and amenities offered. Contact Abbey Manor at 410-620-4126 today to learn how our assisted living community can help your loved one thrive.
