What is the difference between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?
Assisted living communities provide assistance to residents with activities of daily living and personal care needs such as meals, bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as medication management. Nursing home residents typically are in need of 24-hour round the clock nursing care. Individuals in assisted living are typically more independent and capable. Many require no assistance other then meal preparation and medication reminders. Nursing home residents require a great deal more help, care and attention.
There is a huge difference. Assisted Living is usually obtained by an older person who needs a significant amount of help with activities of daily living, but is not totally dependent. In other words, the person can still do some of the things mentioned above, but may not be able to go shopping because of giving up driving. A nursing home is needed for a person who is usually completely dependent on skilled nurses for all aspects of ADL’s.
The number of people living in nursing homes is steadily decreasing as more and more choices become available for seniors who need assistance. Assisted living facilities gives seniors who need a little help, but over all can care for themselves, a very attractive alternative to moving into a nursing home. Assisted living is set up to cater to the needs of individuals who need assistance with general daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, rather then individuals who need ’round the clock 24-hour nursing care. Assisted living facilities also pay greater attention to personal privacy then most nursing homes. This is usually a concern of most residence; at The Lake Shore you will be given all the privacy you need and want. Individuals in assisted living are typically more independent and capable. They are able to take part and enjoy daily activities, usually with no assistance at all. Nursing home residence need a great deal more help, care, and attention.
