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How A Nursing Home Differs From An Assisted Living Facility

November 25, 2021 0 Comment Category: Betenu Health

It is no secret that the US has an aging population. With more focus on lifestyle and better healthcare, people live longer. The US has around 45 million inhabitants aged above 65 years. By 2050, it will go up to 90 million or so. By 2030, one out of five people in the United States of America will be aged 65 years or above. For that reason, the US makes great strides in eldercare options as well. There are nursing homes and assisted living residences, alongside even apartment complexes for seniors.

In the recent past, care for the elderly meant that you only had some options. Now, there is an array of facilities offering care for the population, according to their abilities and needs. Assisted living residence and skilled nursing facility care are among the most prevalent options available now. Here, we will discuss the differences between the two options. Are you thinking about choosing between a skilled nursing facility and an assisted living home? If so, you must understand these differences to make an informed decision.

Definitions

The word assisted living refers to a healthcare setting for the elderly, who requires some help with daily activities, such as bathing. Despite the need for that help, the elderly person may still be able to live on their own with some more care.

On the other hand, the word nursing home refers to a facility for seniors who need more intensive care and who cannot live independently.

Key Distinctions Between Assisted Living Residences And Skilled Nursing Facilities

The level of care that the patient needs is among the main differences between both options. People in US nursing homes will require more intensive care as compared to those who occupy assisted living residences.

Those two groups of people might have different lengths of stay as well. The elderly population may occupy an assisted living residence until their requirements become more.

An elderly person might need a long-term stay at a US nursing home for their ailment or age or a shorter stay when they recuperate from illness or surgery.

Another differentiating factor is cost. The greater the level of care for the elderly, the higher will be the cost.

Staffing will also be a bit different. Nursing home environments may have more skilled staffers and other employees since it handles greater healthcare needs as compared to assisted living residences.