There are many long-term care options available for older adults such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes. It can be difficult to decide which option is right for you or your loved one.
It is a good idea to determine the right level of care for you.
This article will help you understand the differences between assisted living and nursing homes, and how to choose the best one.
What are the main differences between nursing homes and assisted living?
Assisted living can be described as a residential environment. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are medical environments.
Summary of the key differences between assisted living and nursing homes.
1. Medical services
Assisted Living
- Residents in assisted living facilities or retirement homes have the option to receive different levels of medical care depending on their needs.
- A facility might offer transportation to appointments or assistance with medication taking. Many facilities have an on-site nurse and physical and occupational therapists.
- Some assisted living facilities have designated areas for those with memory impairments or dementia.
- People in assisted living facilities generally are in good to semi-disabled health.
Nursing home
- A nursing home provides 24-hour medical care. Residents with chronic conditions are cared for by nursing staff.
- For those who require them, rehabilitation services like speech, occupational, and respiratory therapy are available.
- There are some residents who live there for life, while others are admitted to the hospital for rehabilitation.
2. Living space
Assisted Living
- People often live in shared or individual apartments in assisted living facilities with kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms.
- Some facilities provide furnished rooms. However, most will want you to furnish the space with personal furniture and photos to make the space feel more like home.
- Residents can share meals or other activities in the common areas.
Nursing home
- People in a nursing home usually have either individual or shared rooms with a bathroom.
- Many skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes have shared spaces that residents can use to share meals or take part in activities.
3. Assistance with daily activities
Assisted Living
- These services can be provided to residents in assisted living in Myrtle Beach who require assistance with daily activities such as dressing and bathing.
- Residents who require them can avail services such as housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation.
Nursing home
Most people require more assistance in caring for their daily needs at a nursing home.
Residents are assisted by staff to bathe, dress and use the bathroom. The kitchen staff prepares meals, while the staff clean and launder for residents.
4. Recreational activities
Assisted Living
- The wide variety of activities available to residents is one of the main features of Christian assisted living facilities.
- Research has shown that older adults can stay physically active as well as socially connected to maintain their health.
- Many assisted living facilities provide opportunities for exercise, creativity, and socialization.
- Many facilities offer religious services as well as opportunities to volunteer in their community.
Nursing home
- The variety of activities available in nursing homes may be limited.
- Many nursing homes offer classes in art, choir, cooking, animal therapy, education, and other mentally stimulating activities for their residents.
- Physical therapists often supervise exercise activities and help residents prevent falls, mobility problems, and gain strength.
- Supervised exercise sessions are good for long-term residents in long-term care homes.
5. Meals
Assisted Living
Residents in assisted living facilities can cook in their own kitchens or use the community dining room to prepare meals.
However, they encourage residents to attend meals in the dining room where they can socialize with other residents. This helps eliminate the feeling of isolation.
Nursing home
Dieticians prepare meals in a nursing home. Residents may have their meals prepared in their own rooms, or in a communal room depending on their mobility and personal preferences.
Residents who are unable to eat on their own can often get assistance from a personal aide.
6. Cost
According to the American Health Care Association, the cost for nursing home care is approximately twice that of assisted living.
Residents paying out-of-pocket will pay around $89,000 for a semiprivate room in a nursing facility, and approximately $48,000 per year for an assisted living facility depending on the area of the country you are in, the size of the room/apartment and level of assistance needed.
7. Coverage for insurance
Medicare covers some nursing home and skilled nursing costs if you are unable to pay for your own care.
If your stay is longer than 20 days, you will usually have to pay some of the costs.
Medicare does not usually pay for assisted living, or custodial care (help with daily living activities).
Some states have Medicaid programs that pay for nursing homes or assisted living. However, the rules in each state are different. Some states might require Medicaid beneficiaries to use their funds before Medicaid starts paying for services.
Medicare.gov states that some people buy long-term care insurance policies in order to cover their expenses. However, the benefits of each plan are different.
Some policies cover only care in a nursing facility, while others include at-home and assisted living facilities.
You should carefully read all the terms and conditions before you buy a long-term policy.
If you or your spouse served in the armed services during a war or are a retired veteran, you may qualify for Aid and Assistance from the VA.
Which type of facility is best for you?
Your health and the amount of help you require with your daily activities will determine which type of facility is right for you.
These questions will help you choose the right facility for you or your loved one.
- What amount of help would you need to bathe, dress, and use the bathroom?
- Are you a serious patient who requires daily medical attention?
- Do you have the ability to cook your own meals?
- What are your plans for paying for the care that you require?
- How to select the best assisted living or nursing home?
After you have decided on the type of facility that best suits your needs, you will need to look at individual facilities to find the right match.
These questions should be considered when comparing facilities:
- Are the facilities licensed by a state agency?
- Are the reports of any healthcare agencies available?
- Are the residents happy?
- Which medical professionals are available and who do they work with?
- How do you calculate the ratio of staff to residents?
- How high is the turnover of staff?
- What is the best way to handle a medical emergency?
- Are there any home or doctor visits that can be made?
- What services are included in the base price and what are charged an additional fee?
- Who provides medication?
- Are doctor’s appointments covered by transportation?
- How close are you and your family to the facility?
- What type of recreation activities are available?
- Are residents allowed to go on outings with their community?
- Are residents allowed to bring their own furniture?
- Are bathrooms shared?
- Does the facility have a connection to a particular faith?
You can review the contract to make sure you are familiar with the procedures and costs.
Visit facilities multiple times if possible. To get an idea of the best ones in your area, talk to friends, family, colleagues, doctors, and other professionals.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a reputable assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/
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