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Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes: Which One is Right for Your Loved One?

Peter Brissette • May 24, 2021

When looking at nursing homes and assisted living communities for long-term care for your loved one, there are several factors to consider. There are important differences between these senior living options, so you want to choose the best type of facility that matches the health care needs and personal preferences of your family member. Considerations include the level of care and type of assistance that is needed, your loved one’s mental and physical health status, and their personal desires. If cost is a concern, you’ll need to find a solution that is within your budget or have a plan in place for help with expenses.

In this article, we examine the difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and how to determine the right choice for your loved one. Assured Assisted Living is your premiere resource for expert residential care.

What is the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and an Assisted Living Facility?

A nursing home is designed for acute medical rehabilitation or long-term medical care and doesn’t offer the variety of recreational and social activities that assisted living facilities do. There are typically fewer residents in an assisted living facility.

Nursing Home Pros and Cons

One of the advantages of a nursing facility is that it includes 24-hour skilled nursing care, with limited medical treatments available. A nursing facility can accommodate those who need assistance to move around, and daily medical care is available.

However, there are several disadvantages of a nursing facility. Although some nursing homes are smaller, most are large institutional facilities with on average 100 residents. There is a lower caregiver to resident ratio, which leads to less personalized care.

Nursing homes tend to have limited activities, and while they have common indoor areas, outside areas are limited. Nursing home care is more expensive than assisted living.

Assisted Living Pros and Cons

A main advantage of an assisted living facility is that it provides long-term care in a comfortable, home-like, social setting. There are fewer residents than in a nursing home (the average is 50), with a higher caregiver to resident ratio and more personalized care.

Senior living communities typically offers a wide range of social and recreational activities, in addition to non-medical transportation. Accommodations are in private or shared apartments and studios with private baths and kitchenettes, with common living space and spacious outside grounds. A common misconception is that nursing home care is the only option for someone living with Alzheimer’s, but people with dementia can do very well in an assisted living community. This is especially true when there is a special memory care unit. Assisted living is less expensive than a nursing home.

The primary disadvantage of assisted living is that it doesn’t include round-the-clock skilled nursing care and is usually not designed for people who have trouble moving around.

However, the medicalization of assisted living is having an impact on long-term care environments. Many medical services can now be brought into senior living facilities through home health services. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and wound care.

Direct Care Ratios at Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities

When comparing the staffing at assisted living communities and nursing homes, you should focus on the direct care staff — that is, caregivers who provide support and assistance to residents who cannot perform routine daily activities without help. The direct care staff to resident ratio at a nursing home (home health aides, CNAs or caregivers) can be as high as 1 to 14. This means that each caregiver may have 14 patients to attend to. The same can also be true with some of the larger senior living facilities.

Does Assisted Living Cost More Than a Nursing Home?

A nursing facility can cost nearly twice as much as a senior living community. The average monthly cost for nursing home care is $7,441, compared to approximately $4,000 for an assisted living community and $4,800-$5,200 for supervised dementia care.

Is Assisted Living Better Than a Nursing Home?

This depends on your loved one’s needs and desires. If they require 24-hour medical care, a nursing home may be more appropriate. If they need assistance with daily activities, supervision, plus recreation and social opportunities in a home-like setting, an assisted living facility is better.

What is the Next Level of Care After Assisted Living?

The next level of care is usually a nursing home, with round-the-clock medical care. However, it is possible to get a high level of care for your family member in a comfortable home-like environment. Assured Assisted Living offers a unique, customized approach to senior living.

Assured Assisted Living: The Best Nursing Home Alternative

At Assured Assisted Living, our mission of to provide our residents with the highest level of care while helping them to achieve their goal of independent living as much as possible. We specialize in individualized memory care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Assured offers:

A direct care ratio of 1 to 4 – We provide one caregiver for every four residents, which is a far better staffing ratio than a nursing home and many assisted living facilities. This ensures that we meet the needs of our residents.
Purpose-built ranch style homes – Unlike nursing facilities, Assured care homes are designed to look and operate like a person’s own home, with a close family unit of residents and caregivers. These homes have had safety and security improvements to make the houses ideal for those with dementia and physical limitations.
An intimate residential home – Our care homes have a maximum of 8 to 12 residents — significantly less than a 100-bed nursing home. Our homes are welcoming, with no harsh, intimidating long corridors like you’d find in an institutional setting. They are designed to flow and feel like a family home, located in attractive residential neighborhoods.
A more personalized and higher quality care experience – We truly place our care before all else. Our caregivers are highly skilled in caring for the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Residents are assisted and engaged on a one-on-one level. We know that a personalized care experience is critical for our older adults to thrive.
Lower turnover and more consistent staff – Residents engage with the same 6 to 8 caregivers weekly, as opposed to being engaged by 30 different staff members per week in a nursing home. Routines, familiarity and consistency are extremely important for those with dementia.
Montessori activities – These have been shown to be effective for people with dementia . The Montessori technique uses art, music therapy and physical activities to create sensory activities to stimulate positive emotions. We create purpose driven moments through positive engagement and mutual respect.
Exceptional end of life care – We bring in hospice agencies to assist our team to provide a positive end of life experience for our residents and families.
A dynamic care setting – We are constantly innovating to ensure that we provide the best care and environment for our residents.

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Exploring the Benefits of Adult Day Care Programs

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Adult daycare programs have emerged as vital components in the continuum of care for older adults. These programs offer structured, daytime support, allowing seniors to engage in social, therapeutic, and health-related activities while returning to their homes in the evening. Adult daycare provides a flexible and supportive solution for families balancing caregiving responsibilities with other commitments. Understanding the multifaceted benefits of these programs is essential for making informed care decisions. The demand for adult day care services is growing, reflecting the needs of an aging population seeking alternatives to full-time residential care. According to the CDC , over 5,100 adult day services centers in the United States serve approximately 182,000 participants daily. These centers cater to individuals with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities and provide personalized care plans. Exploring the specific advantages of adult day care can illuminate its role in promoting senior well-being and family support. How Adult Day Care Programs Improve Social Engagement Social isolation is a significant concern among older adults, often leading to adverse health outcomes. Adult day care programs address this issue by fostering a community environment where seniors can interact with peers. Engaging in group activities , such as art classes, music sessions, and games, encourages socialization and reduces feelings of loneliness. Regular participation in these programs can lead to improved mood and cognitive function. The structured nature of adult day care ensures that participants have access to consistent social opportunities. Centers often organize events and outings, providing variety and stimulation. These activities are designed to be inclusive, accommodating different interests and abilities. Such engagement is crucial for maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging among seniors.

Meaningful Ways to Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones in Assisted Living

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Maintaining strong connections with loved ones in assisted living is vital for their emotional and psychological well-being. Regular, meaningful interactions can significantly enhance a resident's quality of life, providing comfort and a sense of belonging. Understanding the best ways to spend quality time together fosters these benefits. Assisted living communities offer various opportunities for families to connect with residents through structured and informal activities. These environments are designed to support social engagement, making it easier for loved ones to participate in residents' daily lives. From communal events to personalized visits, numerous ways exist to create meaningful experiences. Exploring these options can help families make the most of their time together. Engage in Shared Activities in Assisted Living Participating in activities together can be a fulfilling way to spend time with loved ones in assisted living. Simple actions like reading a book aloud, working on a puzzle, or watching a favorite movie can provide comfort and enjoyment. These shared experiences can evoke positive memories and foster a sense of normalcy. Such activities can also stimulate emotion, conversation, and connection. Creative pursuits like painting, knitting, or crafting can be therapeutic and enjoyable. These activities allow residents to express themselves and can be a source of pride and accomplishment. Family members participating in these creative endeavors can strengthen their bond with the resident. Additionally, displaying completed projects can boost the resident's self-esteem and provide conversation starters.

Healthy Holiday Eating: Tips for Seniors to Enjoy Festive Meals Without Sacrificing Their Health

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The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and an abundance of delicious meals. For a senior, it's a time to celebrate with loved ones while being mindful of their health. Maintaining a balanced diet during festive gatherings is essential to ensure overall well-being. Assisted living communities are crucial in supporting seniors who enjoy holiday feasts without compromising their health. Assisted living facilities recognize the importance of nutrition in senior health. They provide tailored meal plans catering to individual dietary needs, ensuring seniors receive the necessary nutrients. These communities also offer educational programs to promote healthy eating habits among residents. Focusing on nutritional awareness helps seniors make informed choices during the holiday season. Understanding Nutritional Needs During the Holidays As people age, their nutritional requirements change , necessitating diet adjustments. Seniors often need fewer calories but more of certain nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. During the holidays, indulging in calorie-dense foods that lack essential nutrients is easy. Assisted living communities address this by offering festive and nutritionally balanced meals. Protein intake is vital for senior health, helping maintain muscle mass and strength. Holiday meals can be tailored to include lean proteins such as turkey or plant-based alternatives. Incorporating these options helps seniors meet their protein needs without excessive saturated fats. Assisted living facilities ensure that holiday menus are designed with these considerations. Fiber is another crucial component of a senior's diet, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation. Holiday dishes can be modified to include whole grains, fruits, and fiber-rich vegetables. Seniors can enjoy traditional meals while supporting their digestive health. Assisted living communities prioritize these dietary adjustments during festive seasons. Hydration is often overlooked but is essential for seniors, especially during the holidays when alcohol and caffeinated beverages are prevalent. Encouraging water intake and offering hydrating foods like soups and fruits can help maintain proper hydration levels. Assisted living facilities monitor residents' fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Managing Chronic Senior Health Conditions with Holiday Foods Many seniors manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, which require specific dietary considerations. Holiday meals can be adapted to accommodate these needs without sacrificing flavor. Assisted living communities work closely with dietitians to create menus that align with senior residents’ health requirements. Controlling carbohydrate intake is crucial to managing blood sugar levels for seniors with diabetes. To reduce glycemic impact, holiday dishes can be prepared with whole grains and natural sweeteners. Assisted living facilities provide alternatives that allow diabetic residents to enjoy desserts in moderation. Thoughtful substitutions make holiday meals inclusive for all.

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The holiday season often evokes feelings of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for seniors who have experienced the loss of a loved one, this time can be particularly challenging. Memories of past holidays may intensify grief and loneliness, making it difficult to engage in festivities. Recognizing and addressing these emotions is crucial for the well-being of grieving seniors. Emotional support during the holidays is essential for seniors coping with loss. Providing a compassionate environment where they can express their feelings helps heal. Understanding the unique challenges grieving seniors face allows caregivers and family members to offer appropriate support. Understanding Holiday Grief in Seniors Holiday grief in seniors is a multifaceted experience influenced by personal loss, societal expectations, and seasonal changes. The contrast between festive surroundings and internal sorrow can exacerbate feelings of isolation. Seniors may struggle with participating in traditions that once brought joy but now serve as reminders of their loss. Acknowledging these complexities is the first step in providing adequate support. Research indicates that nearly 95% of individuals who have experienced loss report at least one symptom of physical or mental distress during the holidays. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which may be more pronounced in older adults. Understanding the prevalence of these issues underscores the importance of proactive emotional support. Caregivers should be vigilant in recognizing signs of holiday grief so they can intervene appropriately.