Difference Between Nursing Homes And Assisted Living

There are many different types of communities on the spectrum of senior living, and no universal answer for your aging loved one. The key is learning about each individual community and what it has to offer – then determining what will best fit the unique needs of both your loved one and your family.

Renaissance North Tampa takes pride in helping families in Hillsborough County and the surrounding areas as they navigate the journey of senior care. If you’re starting to look at assisted living communities and/or nursing home options, you’ll learn some of the major differences between the two, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, below.

Find The Best Fit For Your Needs

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are a category of residential care for seniors that provide around-the-clock skilled care for individuals who generally need assistance for most or all of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Generally thought of as one step below hospital acute care, nursing homes offer medical care by trained medical staff, such as a registered nurse or therapist, 24 hours a day. Residents of nursing homes usually have advanced care needs and/or complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Life-enriching activities are usually provided, along with meals for different dietary needs.

Advantages

• 24-hour medical assistance.
• Provides more daily interaction and amenities than in-home nursing care.

Disadvantages

• May not offer as much privacy as other types of care.
• Differences in quality of skilled nursing care can vary widely.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is used to describe a type of residential community for seniors providing living quarters, support services and health care designed to help individuals who need support with their everyday routines. These services typically include a combination of meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication management and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility as needed. Residents in assisted living communities generally have their own apartment with access to community spaces for dining and activities.

Advantages

• Provides consistent care and support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication, transportation and meal preparation.
• Residents live in individual apartments, with the independence to choose how to spend their time and the ability to participate in activities and programming.

Disadvantages

• Can vary in quality, services and costs.
• May be difficult for seniors who are attached to staying in their own house.

The overall difference between nursing home care and assisted living is that nursing homes mainly provide medical attention and personal care in a more clinical setting, while assisted living provides personalized support in a more home-like setting. At Renaissance North Tampa, assisted living also includes wellness programming and activities to engage the mind, body and soul.

It’s important to us that your loved one remains healthy, happy and fulfilled while receiving the quality care and individual experience that’s right for them — whether in assisted living, memory care or short-term respite care. Contact us to learn more.