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What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
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
The difference between assisted living and nursing homes is the services each setting provides. Facilities address unique needs, employing personnel with a range of training, certifications and skills, while also offering different fees and funding options.
Compare Services and Staffing
Assisted living communities provide a communal environment for seniors who can’t live independently but don’t require clinical attention or around-the-clock medical monitoring. Caregivers follow individualized service plans to help residents with personal care and everyday activities, including bathing and grooming, while encouraging seniors’ independence. Other common services include transportation and housekeeping. Facilities provide meals and recreational programs and offer amenities such as fitness centers. Although many communities provide nursing oversight, trained aides deliver most support services. Depending on state regulations, some facilities also employ certified nursing aides who can administer medications.
However, nursing homes provide 24/7 supervision, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation therapies for medically needy seniors in a clinical environment. Residents include those with chronic or complex health conditions alongside individuals recovering from injuries, illnesses and surgeries. Nursing home staff generally includes registered and licensed nurses, medical social workers, therapists, behavioral specialists and medical directors.
Costs and Financial Assistance
According to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of assisted living in the United States is $5,350 per month. Conversely, typical monthly fees for nursing home care stand at $8,669 for a semi-private room and $9,733 for private accommodations.