Author: Tiffany Stockton
Reviewed By: Brindusa Vanta

Bathroom assistance is considered assisted living, not skilled nursing, but it can fall within the scope of both. It depends on the level of assistance required and the individual’s specific needs. In both settings, the staff strives to ensure residents receive the support they need to maintain their health, dignity and independence.

Basic Differences Between Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities provide a supportive environment for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living but don’t need intensive medical care. Residents maintain a level of independence but may need help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and mobility assistance. Facilities also may offer additional amenities and services to provide a comfortable and engaging lifestyle for residents.

Skilled nursing provides constant medical care and supervision for individuals with complex medical needs or limitations. Individuals often require more intensive assistance with medical treatments, rehabilitation therapies, wound care and monitoring of chronic conditions. Skilled nursing includes licensed health care professionals who deliver specialized care tailored to each resident’s needs.

The Ins and Outs of Bathroom Assistance

As individuals age, routine tasks, especially private ones, often grow more difficult. Accepting this change can be hard, leading to reluctance in seeking help, which can increase the risks of falls, injuries and accidents. In assisted living facilities, personal care services offered to residents include bathroom assistance and modified showers. Staff assists with tasks such as transferring to and from the toilet, bathing and personal hygiene. Grab bars, shower chairs and mechanical lifts facilitate safe and comfortable transfers and help with mobility.

Sometimes bathroom assistance involves a higher level of care. This could include catheter maintenance, ostomy care or complications arising from postsurgical recovery and wound management. Cognitive impairment and chronic illnesses also often necessitate more comprehensive monitoring. Skilled nursing offers a higher level of care and expertise tailored to address these unique needs.