By Gregg Newby, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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Every year, more than one million Americans enter a nursing home or assisted living facility. While many people don't like to think about leaving a home or an apartment and moving to long-term care, it's sometimes a reality that must be addressed.
The trouble is that many people aren't really sure how nursing homes differ from assisted living. The terms are often used interchangeably, which only adds to the confusion. Yet there is a world of difference between the two. They actually have very little in common. And it's important not to confuse them if you're seeking custodial care for yourself or a loved one.
The basic difference is in the level of care they provide. Nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical care to people with chronic illnesses.
But that's not the case with assisted living, where services are much more limited.
Assisted living
In an assisted living facility, residents can receive help with basic living tasks. But there's very little medical care involved.
You can choose the level of services you need or want to pay for. Some people enjoy eating meals in the communal dining rooms but do not need help taking care of themselves otherwise. Others get assistance throughout the day. Caregivers can drop in to check on them and can often assist them with:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Taking medications
- Transportation
- Recreation
- Other activities
The purpose of assisted living is to let residents live independently within a safe environment. Residents are thought of as clients. They generally live in single occupancy apartments or rooms, and are able to choose how they spend their time. Many residents enjoy the responsibility-free living and social opportunities that assisted living offers.
Nursing homes
In a nursing home, the environment is more like that of a hospital. A variety of health care professionals are always on hand to provide continuous medical care. There are other important differences as well. Nursing home residents:
- Require 24-hour supervision and cannot live independently
- Usually have a serious illness or disability that leaves them unable to care for themselves
- Need help with most or all basic living tasks
- Live in hospital rooms rather than apartments
- May have roommates
- Are thought of as patients rather than clients
Another difference is that of cost. Nursing homes are usually more expensive than assisted living facilities. Sometimes they cost twice as much, although Medicare may cover some of it. And for people who need extra care and equipment, the price tag can run even higher.
As a general rule, loved ones should only be placed in nursing homes when a health issue prevents more independent living. Some examples of this might be
- Advanced Alzheimer's disease
- Stroke
- Severe heart failure
- Serious physical disability
Making the choice
But if the concern is safety rather than health, an assisted living facility is often the better choice. Remember, a loved one who should be in assisted living may not be happy in a nursing home. Alternatively, assisted living facilities can't care for residents who are severely ill or disabled.
And if you're not certain about which to choose, ask a doctor for help deciding. Many long-term care facilities require a medical evaluation anyway. But if you aren't asked for one, some expert advice will still be helpful. It could help you avoid making the wrong decision.
View the original Information about assisted living and nursing homes article on myOptumHealth.com
SOURCES:
- Matthews JL. Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for it. Berkeley, CA: Nolo; 2008.
- U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Assisted living fact sheet. Accessed: 10/07/2009
- Connell LH. Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Your Practical Guide for Making the Right Decision. Naperville, Ill: Sphinx; 2004.
- U. S. National Institute on Aging. Nursing homes: Making the right choice. Accessed: 10/07/2009
