As of 2019, there were over 1.2 million people in nursing home facilities in the United States.
Are you in search of long-term care facilities for your loved one? What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home? Which would be a better fit for the care you are looking for?
Every situation is different, which is why it is important to learn more about the options.
Keep reading to learn about the differences between nursing homes and assisted living.
The Options for Long-Term Care
The most popular options for long-term care are nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The biggest difference is that nursing homes provide long-term medical care for the residents. In contrast, assisted living provides short-term housing options and other support for the elderly that don’t need constant medical care but may need help with other activities throughout the day.
Long-term care facilities are for people who cannot live at home alone any longer.
Benefits of a Nursing Home Facility
Nursing homes are typically more affordable because of the simple nature of the care. There are standard rooms and less focus based on the extracurricular aspects of the stay. The activities are centered around keeping everyone social more than providing an abundance of amenities.
There are three meals a day provided so that your loved one does not have to worry about the logistics of making food or getting enough food within a day. The skilled nursing staff is tasked with monitoring and performing any medical checks throughout the stay.
Benefits of an Assisted Living Facility
One benefit of assisted living is that there are typically more options for activities due to the people living there being more mobile than those in a nursing home. While someone may have issues with mobility, an aquatic exercise class may allow them to be active in the water on a daily basis.
The food offerings or ability to make their own food is another benefit of living in this type of facility. Visitors can easily come and go without the worry that their loved one isn’t being taken care of or doesn’t have everything they need.
If you are looking for an assisted living option that will allow your loved one to still live an independent lifestyle while getting the support they need, you can find a good facility in your area. The loss of one’s freedom and independence can be difficult to deal with, so this can be an option that combats that concern.
Choose the Best Long-Term Care Option for Your Loved One
Now that you have read about the differences between nursing homes and assisted living, you can make a more informed choice on what will be the best fit for your loved one. There are benefits to both choices, with personal preference being an important distinction.
Check out our website for more informational articles like this one. Long-term care facility, A facility that provides rehabilitative, restorative, and/or ongoing skilled nursing care to patients or residents in need of assistance with activities of daily living. Long-term care facilities include nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, inpatient behavioral health facilities, and long-term chronic care hospitals.
