Senior assisted living and skilled nursing are both levels of care that provide older adults with the support they need to live active and engaged lifestyles. However, each type of care is designed to address a specific set of needs. To help you make an informed decision about which type of care is best for you or your loved one, we’ve put together a guide to the key differences between assisted living and skilled nursing.
What is Assisted Living?
While an older adult may be able to perform many activities of daily living on their own, at times, they may need an extra helping hand to complete some everyday tasks. This is where assisted living comes into play. It could be as simple as not having the energy to make their own meals anymore or needing help getting dressed in the morning. Regardless of the task you may need assistance with; assisted living provides the support they need.
Common tasks assisted living may help with:
- Assistance with dressing, bathing, and grooming
- Medication management and reminders
- Meal preparation or access to communal dining
- Help with mobility or transferring (e.g., from bed to chair)
- Light housekeeping and laundry services
- Scheduling and attending medical appointments
Additionally, older adults living within assisted living communities retain many of the same amenities they’d have while living independently. Some of these amenities include shared spaces for socializing and group activities, game rooms, arts and crafts studios, dining areas, fitness areas for health and wellness, salons and barbershops to keep residents looking sharp, and even libraries to keep their minds healthy and active.
What is Skilled Nursing?
If an older adult requires professional medical attention throughout most of their day, skilled nursing may be the right choice for them. Cardiac failure, diabetes, strokes, hip or bone fractures, and Parkinson’s disease are among the most common illnesses or injuries among older adults that require short- or long-term skilled care. In a skilled nursing community, a medical team will be available to provide 24/7 care for the resident. That team can include an on-site geriatric physician, registered and practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.
Common tasks skilled nursing may help with:
- 24/7 medical monitoring and care from licensed nurses
- Administration of medications, including injections or IV therapy
- Assistance with wound care, post-surgery recovery, and managing chronic conditions
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Help with feeding, mobility, and daily hygiene for those with limited abilities
- Coordination of care for complex medical needs (e.g., diabetes management, respiratory care)
Contrary to popular thought, a skilled nursing community isn’t limited to nurses and physicians. Some senior living communities can also have a licensed social worker and an activities coordinator on staff to help provide for the needs of skilled nursing residents.
Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing: Main Differences
The primary distinction between assisted living and skilled nursing accommodations lies in the intensity and type of care provided daily. Both options are designed to support older adults who need assistance, but the level of medical care and the daily needs of the resident play a crucial role in determining which option is the most suitable.
Differences at a Glance:
- Care Intensity: Assisted living offers part-time assistance, while skilled nursing provides full-time medical care.
- Medical Care: Skilled nursing provides 24/7 medical supervision, whereas assisted living focuses on personal care and routine assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Resident Needs: Assisted living is suitable for those who are relatively independent but need help with daily tasks, while skilled nursing is for those with complex medical needs.
Additional Considerations
- Costs: Assisted living is often less expensive than skilled nursing, but it is typically paid for privately or through long-term care insurance. Skilled nursing, on the other hand, may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid, especially if the care is medically necessary.
- Length of Stay: Assisted living is often a long-term living arrangement, whereas skilled nursing may be temporary for rehabilitation or long-term for ongoing medical conditions.
- Transitioning Between Care Levels: Some assisted living facilities offer skilled nursing services within the same community, making it easier for residents to transition if their health needs change over time.
Find the Right Level of Care in Prairie Village, KS
When it comes to choosing your senior living arrangement, there is a lot to consider. Like many big decisions in life, it’s all about striking a balance between your own wants and your own needs. Assisted living is geared toward individuals who are relatively independent and require occasional help with daily tasks, while skilled nursing is intended for those with more complex medical conditions who need round-the-clock medical supervision. Understanding these distinctions can help ensure that the appropriate care is chosen based on the individual’s specific needs.
Because the level of care you need now may not be the same level of care you need in the future, consider a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as Life Care. Living in a Life Care community means that you have priority access to multiple levels of care, so you can live your life knowing that your needs are going to be cared for.
Call us any time at 630-769-6100, or fill out the form on this page to learn more about what sets our Prairie Village community apart from others in the area.
