What's the difference between nursing homes and assisted living

by ElderCarelink

When it appears some form of senior living for a loved one is on the horizon, it pays to familiarize yourself with the different options, including nursing homes and assisted living.

 Assisted living and nursing homes:

 Assisted living. Assisted living emerged in the 1990s as a form of senior care for individuals who could no longer live on their own, but did not require 24-hour supervision or assistance provided by nursing homes. These facilities traditionally provide custodial-care services in home-like atmospheres. Residents can get assistance with bathing, eating and dressing, and many facilities offer shared meals, housekeeping and laundry services and more.

 Nursing homes. Nursing homes, also referred to as 'skilled nursing facilities' provide continual, 24-hour medical attention to their residents. For seniors who have significant medical problems, severe cognitive issues or mobility impairments, nursing homes are equipped to provide the proper level of care.

 Some things to keep in mind:

 Remember, assisted living facilities are not licensed or regulated on a national basis, but on a state-by-state level. In turn, assisted living care falls into a spectrum of definitions, with facilities called assisted living homes, personal care homes, residential care homes and more. That means you should be diligent in your research, visit the facilities you are considering and be sure to make sure it is a licensed and regulated facility.

On the other hand, many nursing homes across the US are approved to accept Medicare, Medicaid or both. This is important as the cost of nursing home care is typically higher than assisted living. So, which is best? That's up to you and your family to decide. Take time to figure out your loved one's needs, review the advantages and drawbacks of each type of care, and research the various options thoroughly to find the right senior living option for your elder.