(443) 745-6115Many people ask what’s the difference between a nursing home and assisted living? Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often put into the same category, but they do have significant differences. Knowing these differences can help you determine what is best for you as you age. Let’s take a look at each and see which residence will best help you or your loved one live those later years most comfortably.
Types of Care
Assisted Living: Assistance with personal care and daily living, medication administration and management.
Nursing Home: All of the above, in addition to nursing and certain medical treatments.
Nursing homes provide additional care for those who are aging with medical conditions that require specialized treatments. Assisted living homes are more focused on day-to-day living, comfort, community, and those illnesses that call for special care but do not require regular medical treatments or hospitalization.
Non-Care Services
Assisted Living: Extensive recreational activities, supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, non-medical transportation.
Nursing Home: Limited recreational activities, supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry.
Nursing homes are more focused on medical care and daily necessities, while assisted living facilities encompass both daily necessities and providing social and individual activities that can help aging adults better enjoy day-to-day life.
Who They Help
Assisted Living: Those that require some, but not extensive, personal care, those who can walk or are ambulatory, those receptive to assistance, those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Nursing Home: Those that require extensive personal care, those who are not mobile without assistance, those who have severe cognitive impairments, those resistant to assistance, those with behavioral issues.
Nursing homes exist to provide medical care and specialized treatment of aging adults who have more severe illnesses or strained mobility. Assisted living homes provide a place where aging adults can get assistance with daily needs like medication and bathing, as well as opportunities to be a part of a community and participate in enjoyable activities.
Looking for Elder Care in Laurel, MD?
Kenwood Care is Howard County’s premier assisted living facility with locations in Columbia, Laurel, and Fulton, Maryland. Our experienced caregivers are dedicated to ensuring your elderly loved ones age safely, comfortably, and with the specialized care they need. Contact us today to set up a tour of our assisted living residences!
