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Is Assisted Living Considered a Convalescent Home?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
What Services Does a Convalescent Home Provide?
A convalescent home provides medical care and assistance to help people recover from a hospital stay, illness or injury. Residents receive physical and occupational therapy to regain strength, improve mobility and relearn how to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as grooming and bathing.
The health care team at a convalescent home, also called a skilled nursing facility, helps residents manage pain and ensure they eat nutritious meals. Nurses care for surgical incisions and provide other services based on specific medical needs. Speech therapists assist with memory and communication, while counselors provide mental health treatment.
How Does Skilled Nursing Differ From Assisted Living?
Assisted living only provides custodial care. This level of assistance also includes help with household tasks and activities of daily living, such as dressing and meal preparation.