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What Is a Level 3 Assisted Living Facility?
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
A Level 3 assisted living facility caters to seniors requiring extensive hands-on assistance with multiple daily living activities. Also referred to as enhanced care, Level 3 assisted living supports residents with more complex needs, including physical impairments or mild to moderate cognitive disorders, than those in Level 2 care. A Level 3 designation varies depending on state regulations and a facility’s policies. However, it’s usually the highest level of care in assisted living before residents consider nursing home care.
What Services Does Level 3 Assisted Living Offer?
These communities also offer medical services similar to nursing homes. For example, they often employ registered nurses, physicians and rehabilitative therapists or arrange appointments with local providers. If they accept residents with memory loss, Level 3 communities may offer cognitive therapies or have specialized memory care wings.
Difference Between Level 3 Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care
Level 3 assisted living communities emphasize personal care assistance, while nursing homes focus on medical care and supervision. Although Level 3 assisted living residents sometimes have medical conditions, they’re still more independent than most nursing home residents. Level 3 assisted living communities offer some on-site medical services, but they mainly focus on helping residents stay independent, foster social connections and participate in recreational activities. Meanwhile, nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical care and supervision for seniors with acute or chronic health conditions. They help residents manage their conditions while ensuring safety and comfort. Some residents transition from Level 3 assisted living to nursing home care if their health declines or they develop new conditions requiring more intensive care.