Aging has a wonderful beauty, and we should have respect for that. It’s a privilege denied to many.
If it were up to you, you’d probably prefer to care for your aging or ailing loved one at home. But, if we are honest, that’s not always an option. In most cases, if caring for a patient or loved one becomes impossible, you have to look for external assistance.
When the long-term at home, even with hiring an aide, is no longer an option, this will either be through assisted living or nursing assistance. When most families find themselves in this situation, choosing between them becomes difficult, mostly because they don’t know what sets one apart from the other.
While there isn’t a black and white answer to the question, the assisted living vs. skilled nursing comparison can clarify what makes them different. Knowing the distinction and depending on your needs, for instance, care options, medical care, the community, etc., you can select the one that best fits your loved one.
Assisted living
When you hear of assisted living, you probably have your aging parent or your grandparents in mind. Although they can do most things for themselves, they still need help with a few things from time to time. For instance, they may not always have the energy to prepare their own meals, may need bathing and dressing assistance, and just someone to talk to.
In the busy world we live in today, you won’t always be around to remind your loved ones to take their medications or help with house chores. In an assisted living community, you are certain your loved one has the correct medication management team, personal care is taken care of, they have help with meal preparation and housekeeping, and the community’s emergency call system can reach you if need be. Nothing puts your mind more at peace than knowing these needs are all met.
Assisted living facilities vary hugely in size and amenities. You can choose from houses with less than 10 beds to large facilities with private and shared apartments. Some include additional amenities, such as social areas, gardens, game rooms, and libraries. Assisted living facilities are licensed to distribute medication, but they do not provide medical care. Generally, the family is responsible for arranging all medical care when needed. This could be a potential problem for families if a relative’s condition worsens and requires a move elsewhere for adequate medical treatment.
A big advantage of assisted living for seniors is the opportunity to socialize with their peers daily. Loneliness and depression are widespread in seniors living alone. Usually, the activities are organized and supervised by staff, and they are adjusted to the seniors’ capabilities. Some seniors choose assisted living especially because of this social factor.
Skilled nursing
Skilled nursing may offer most of the services you get from assisted living communities, but not all services are the same. If your older adult requires skilled nursing, it means the services provided also need to cover their medical needs caused by more complex chronic conditions or declining health problems. It could also be for patients who prefer home care instead of spending their days in a hospital bed. They do not need full hospital care but do need medication management, monitoring, or other health professional services on an in-patient basis.
Besides nursing care, services in nursing homes may include custodial and rehabilitative care (like physical, occupational, and speech therapy), and specialized care (like memory care for people with advanced stages of dementia or mobility issues). Like assisted living facilities, nursing homes provide social, recreational, and spiritual activities for their residents.
Assisted living vs. Skilled nursing
Planning in advance
It’s important that family members discuss long-term care needs with elderly relatives early on and agree on the plan and responsibilities when the time comes. Have in mind that the best senior facilities may have a waitlist, so starting the search and preparation early is a wise move. The rapidly aging population means an increased demand for long-term care, and planning on time is essential. Choosing a facility and enlisting in advance increases the probability of openings when the need arises.
Based on the evaluation of the care needs and the wishes of your senior family member, you can together decide whether to opt for an all-inclusive facility or one that provides the basics and charges extra for additional services. If family members live nearby and can visit and assist in care on a regular basis, this may be a cheaper option to start. A sudden event or health crisis could worsen your senior’s health and influence the change of plans. This should also be taken into account when planning, so have a plan B just in case.
Your loved one’s needs
People age differently, and the needs they have will differ from one person to the next. As already mentioned, residents in assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities require various needs at varying levels. The necessary type and level of care will determine if an older adult is best suited for a nursing facility.
If residents need daily therapy, ventilators, and medication management, they will be best suited in a nursing home since it can quickly and effectively cater to their healthcare conditions. Nursing facilities are equipped with professional nurses on call to help residents whenever the need arises. Like an assisted living facility, nursing homes will also offer daily activities such as dressing, eating, bathing, mental health care, social support, and financial management. They will also have emergency call systems to alert you, or other caregiver or family member when something is wrong.
The setting
Typically, assisted living will have a home-like setting, while a nursing home care will also have more medical facilities. In fact, most skilled nursing services are within nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, while assisted living communities could be anywhere from a cottage to an apartment building. When it’s mealtime in a resident’s community, you find all seniors in a centralized dining area eating and chatting as they enjoy their meals.
Although nursing care centers have been accused of being a bit rigid in the past, they have made significant changes to match what a community would offer. This is an advantage for residents as they won’t feel like this is just another hospital stay. Instead, they will have family members close by, medical needs catered for, and different social activities. This alone will help improve their mental health and keep them happy.
Staff availability
Because of the intense care needed by seniors in skilled homes, a nurse must be within the compound eight hours a day, every day. By law, the nurse must be licensed and experienced. On the other hand, assisted living communities don’t need a nurse within the facility. But, all facilities must have a licensed nurse on call at all times to provide care in case someone within the home needs it.
How long they plan on staying
Nursing facilities take in both seniors and people who require specialized medical assistance. Obviously, not everyone will be there long-term, as some only need care for a few months before engaging home health agencies for personalized care. However, assisted living communities will likely have senior care options to last your older adults for a long time.
Remember, while you are busy with life, the older adult in your care still needs assistance with simple things. Since you aren’t always available, they may prefer to stay in a living community where they are confident their needs are met at any time of day. Some facilities also offer the transition from fairly independent living in an assisted living setting to skilled nursing when the need occurs.
Cost
This is obviously an essential factor when selecting a facility for an older adult. As you may have guessed, nursing homes offer round the clock care to their residents because most have health care conditions that demand constant attention. This definitely spikes the cost, so expect to pay significantly more for this than for living in a senior community, since they don’t need the high-level care and the kind of attention their more dependent peers require.
Both nursing homes and resident communities offer different payment options. Because nursing homes charge considerably higher, you should search for a reliable long-term insurance provider to help you cater to the bills. This hugely depends on your location and insurance. In some countries, senior care in nursing homes is well covered in all instances.
However, assisted living residents mostly pay out of pocket. Usually, families chip in or let the resident cover the cost. If the senior was a homeowner, the property could be sold and the obtained funds used for long-term care. You could also rent it, and use the income to cover the expenses on the other side. All this depends on your family arrangements and agreements.
Many assisted living facilities offer home-sharing options which are cheaper. They help to match the roommates based on age, activity level, temperament and shared interests. This is a bonus for many, having a companion and someone close in case of an emergency.
How to choose
During your search, be honest about your family member’s needs. But remember, as people age, what they need will change, and you may find yourself moving your loved one to a nursing facility after spending some time in assisted living. Try to go with the best option within your postal code so you can visit your loved one easily. Have in count what your loved ones want – in the end, they will spend their days there. Also, allow the possibility that they might not like the first facility they enter, especially if they are in the assisted living community and still active. You have to respect their wishes and try to find the most satisfying solution for everyone.
FAQs
Is skilled nursing the same as assisted living?
No. Skilled nursing facilities care for adults who need round the clock medical care. Assisted living houses adults who still need help with a few things, although they can mostly get things done on their own.
Which is more expensive, assisted living or nursing home?
Nursing homes are more expensive because they offer round the clock nursing care to their residents. Depending on the health insurance policy, you might have this covered in total or at least you can count on covering the part of the expenses.
Do the assisted living communities offer medical assistance?
While the nursing facilities offer medical care round-the-clock, the assisted living facilities do not always have a nurse or doctor available in-house at all times. However, they must have a licensed nurse on call at all times in case someone needs it.
What if the aged family member refuses to go to the senior facility and the family has no other option for the care?
The bad reputation and stereotype prejudices regarding the senior communities and nursing homes changed significantly in recent times. It would help if you tried to explain the facilities’ advantages and benefits and bring positive aspects to the first plan. The visit to a few facilities might help change their mind. You can also offer them several options to choose from and give them a sense of control. Another option is to try first with the senior daycare to help your senior adjust to the idea and realize the perks of having dedicated services at the disposal all the time.
Bottom line
If your aged family member needs frequent assistance with the activities of daily life, and you cannot provide it, considering an assisted living community may be a great option. This is also a great option if you are a long-distance caregiver and don’t live near your seniors, but you want to ensure all their needs are covered. In a community and the company of peers, your loved ones will continue enjoying a social life and feel less lonely and alienated. If the case the aged person needs special medical attention that is beyond your skils and possibilities, the skilled nursing facility is one choice to provide the required care. In any case, always have in mind the comfort and the quality of life this choice will have for your loved one, and if possible, attend to their wishes. This is the most important after all – that they feel loved and taken care of.
