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 offer residential care for seniors, including around-the-clock skilled care for individuals who generally need assistance for most or all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Generally considered a step below hospital acute care, nursing homes offer medical care by trained medical staff, such as registered nurses or therapists, 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 describes a residential community for seniors that provides living quarters, support services and health care and is 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 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.

Choosing the right level of care is an important decision. In general, nursing homes focus on providing medical care and daily support in a more clinical setting. Assisted living, on the other hand, offers personalized support in a comfortable, home-like environment. At Renaissance North Tampa, our assisted living community goes beyond daily assistance. We offer engaging wellness programs and activities designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit.

Whether your loved one needs assisted living, memory care or short-term respite care, our goal is always the same: to ensure they remain healthy, happy and fulfilled, while receiving the individual and personalized care they deserve. Contact us to learn more.