When Dan and his wife, Erin*, realized they needed to consider supervised care for his father, Gene, who was showing signs of memory loss and reduced mobility, they weren't sure where to begin. Searching online, they found plenty of senior living options within a two-hour drive of their home, but they were overwhelmed by the information. In particular, they didn't fully understand the differences between nursing home care and assisted living.

Dan and Erin are not alone in their confusion. Different terms are often used to describe residential care settings for older adults, and the terminology can vary by location and provider. For example, nursing homes may also be referred to as long-term care facilities or skilled nursing facilities, although these terms can describe different services and levels of care.

Two common residential care options for older adults are:

Understanding the differences between these care settings can make the process of choosing appropriate care less stressful and more reassuring for your family.

What Type of Care Is Provided at a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes provide around-the-clock supervision and nursing services for individuals who require substantial assistance with daily activities, ongoing medical care, or rehabilitation. Depending on the facility and the needs of its residents, services may include:

Nursing homes generally provide a more medically intensive level of care than assisted living communities. Residents may require frequent assistance from nurses and other healthcare professionals throughout the day and night.

However, nursing home residents retain important rights to privacy, dignity, personal choice, and visitation. The extent of medical supervision and the living arrangements available can vary by facility and individual care needs.

A nursing home stay may be short-term, such as several weeks of rehabilitation following hospitalization, or long-term, lasting months or years. Some individuals may move between different care settings as their medical conditions and support needs change.

What Type of Care Is Provided at an Assisted Living Community?

Assisted living communities provide residential care and support for older adults who want to maintain as much independence as possible while receiving help with everyday activities.

Some assisted living communities are part of larger senior living campuses that offer multiple levels of care. These may include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and, in some cases, skilled nursing services. Communities offering a formal continuum of care may be described as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), although not every assisted living community falls into this category.

Older adults residing in assisted living typically maintain a degree of independence while receiving assistance with daily living activities based on their individual needs. The level of assistance required can also influence the cost of care.

Assisted living communities may offer a wide range of services and amenities, including:

Assisted living communities emphasize residents' well-being while supporting their rights to privacy, autonomy, and dignity. They also encourage social interaction, meaningful activities, and family involvement.

Unlike more medically intensive residential care settings, assisted living typically provides apartment-style accommodations that residents can personalize and enjoy as their own living spaces.

As residents' health needs change, additional assistance may become necessary. Some communities can accommodate increasing care needs through enhanced personal assistance or specialized memory care. Others may require residents to transition to a different facility if their medical needs exceed the services the community is licensed or equipped to provide.

In the broadest sense, nursing homes emphasize ongoing nursing care, medical supervision, and rehabilitation, while assisted living communities focus on helping older adults maintain independence, quality of life, and personal well-being while receiving support with everyday activities.

How Do I Know if My Aging Parent Needs Assisted Living or Nursing Home Care?

The most appropriate care setting for an aging parent depends on their medical condition, physical and cognitive abilities, personal preferences, and the level of assistance they require.

A healthcare provider can help assess medical needs and recommend an appropriate level of care. Families should also consider how much support their loved one needs to manage everyday activities and whether those needs are likely to change.

Important questions to consider include:

Answering these questions can help families identify the care environment that best balances safety, independence, medical needs, and quality of life.

Choosing the Right Care for an Aging Parent

Ultimately, Dan and Erin had several conversations with Gene's physicians to better understand his current limitations and how his needs might change in the months and years ahead. His declining memory was a particular concern.

They also worked with an eldercare mediator to help Gene understand the concerns about his continuing to live alone and to encourage open communication about his future care.

Together, they toured several assisted living communities, giving preference to those offering social programs and wellness activities that complemented Gene's friendly personality. Most importantly, they looked for communities with specialized memory care options and access to physical therapy and other supportive services as his health needs evolved.

Even older adults who are largely independent today may eventually require additional assistance with everyday activities or more specialized healthcare services.

Choosing the right care setting involves planning not only for your loved one's current needs but also for the changes that may come with aging.

At Everbrook Senior Living, our communities are designed to support older adults through changing stages of life, with opportunities for social engagement, wellness, and personalized care. We encourage families to explore their options, ask questions, and find the living environment that best supports their loved one's health, safety, dignity, and independence.

Resources

Eldercare Locator

Phone: 800-677-1116

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Department of Human Services for information about care options and resources in your community.

*Names changed to protect privacy.