Does My Mom Need Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?

Whether your mom needs assisted living or a nursing home depends on the level of care that suits her unique needs. For many, “nursing home” is a phrase used to refer to all levels of senior living. Make no mistake, however; assisted living and nursing homes are completely different levels of care.

Assisted living is for seniors who are largely self-sufficient and active but need some help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming and taking medications. Nursing homes are for seniors with health issues; they provide long-term medical care in addition to around-the-clock assistance. Discover the differences between these two common care types so you can make the best decision for your loved one.

Assisted living is a wise choice for seniors who cannot or no longer want to reside in their own homes. It allows them to retain their independence while receiving support with the activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and taking medications. In assisted living, seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle filled with engaging activities, clubs and events while still having 24-hour access to caregivers and staff.

Seniors can also enjoy fresh, chef-prepared dining, and there’s no need to worry about utilities, home maintenance or housekeeping. Instead, they lead maintenance-free lifestyles where cooking, cleaning, laundry and maintenance are all covered by staff. They can also make use of diverse amenities, including fitness centers, libraries and arts and crafts studios, in addition to outdoor areas that often feature gardens and walking paths.

Nursing homes provide a significantly higher level of care than assisted living. These homes are dedicated to serving seniors who need 24-hour care, supervision and medical support. It’s the highest level of care available for older adults who do not need hospitalization.

Generally, seniors who reside in nursing homes require significant long-term assistance, whether that’s physically, mentally or both. As an example, residents here are unable to transfer from bed to a chair or are unable to eat on their own. Nursing homes focus much less on amenities and activities; they’re centered around long-term 24-hour support. Staff here are generally medically certified; nurses are often employed to assist with medical issues. Seniors have 24-hour access to these skilled medical professionals.