Understanding the various Senior Living Communities is imperative. Most intertwine the multiple communities and think they are all the same. They are not. Many equate senior living to nursing homes, but there are options. Assisted living and nursing homes are two options. Depending upon the level of care will determine the best fit for your aging loved one.

Assisted Living

An assisted living facility provides a one-bedroom or studio apartment for individuals, including a kitchen, bedroom, and living spaces. Facilities are for active seniors who can no longer live independently and need assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Service may include assistance with dressing, bathing, and ambulating. Assisted living residents allow individuals to live independently yet get help where needed. Some communities specialize in serving individuals with specific needs such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s.

Nursing home

A nursing home (also known as skilled nursing facilities or SNFs) provides 24-hour care and a higher level of supervision. These homes benefit individuals with more serious medical issues or chronic conditions. They focus on medical care but provide personal care services too.

What do assisted living and nursing homes have in common?

• Both provide on-site nurse/health clinics.
• Both facilities provide balanced meals with nutritional options.
• Both facilities have enrichment and wellness activities for interested residents.
• Both facilities offer laundry and housekeeping services
• Both can assist with personal care and medication management.
• Both may provide transportation services for medical appointments.

How do they differ?

• Assisted living is more like apartment living, whereas nursing homes have more of an institutional look because of the hospital level of care.
• Assisted living is long-term or permanent, whereas skilled nursing facilities tend to be short-term but permanent for individuals needing constant physical or mental care and supervision.
• While both facilities provide meals, assisted living provides meals in a common area. In contrast, nursing homes deliver meals to a person, for which assisted living charges an additional fee.
• Assisted living assists with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed, whereas skilled nursing facilities provide more extensive 24-hour help.
• Nursing homes have qualified physical, occupational, and speech therapists on site. Assisted living facilities do not.

Cost Difference

Since nursing homes provide 24-hour care, they are more expensive than assisted living residences. The annual cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is approximately $94,896, while an assisted living facility’s price is roughly $54,000 a year.

Does insurance cover these costs?

Medicare will only pay for skilled services or rehabilitative care. A nursing home has a maximum of 100 days of coverage, but the average Medicare-covered stay is much shorter (22 days). Therefore, it is best to check with your nursing home provider.

Medicare does not cover assisted living residences or any additional care needed with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Long Term Care or life insurance policies with a long-term care component can help with these costs. Speaking with a financial advisor or life insurance agent/broker is best about these options.

Medicaid

Depending on the state’s Medicaid program, low-income individuals may be able to utilize Medicaid to help cover the cost of services. State Medicaid programs can cover home and community-based services (HCBS) such as personal care and supportive services provided in assisted living communities. Medicaid does not pay for room and board costs.

Ultimately, evaluate your aging loved one’s needs to determine which is better for them.

STAGES is here to educate people on their housing options.