What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

Physical distinctions

Skilled nursing facility

A skilled nursing facility will always be located in one building. The reason for this arrangement is to ensure that patients (as opposed to residents) can receive 24-hour care, quickly, in one location. Some skilled nursing facilities will have doors locked and on an alarm system. Many patients are free to leave their room, but the facility is completely responsible for the patients' safety and requires that they stay in an environment designed with their safety in mind. Hallway handrails are provided for patients who are not ready for a wheelchair, but are less steady on their feet. A nurses' station is usually visible from the main entry, and is typically located at the intersection of two wings.

Assisted living

Assisted living, on the other hand (particularly the up-scale facilities), offer a range of living quarters from a single detached home, duplex, four-plex, group living, and ultimately one large assisted living facility that offers suites, double, and single occupancy rooms. The assisted living facilities' occupants are considered to be "residents" and free to leave and return. Some residents are physically incapable of leaving on their own, or cannot drive and instead, will use the van service. Assisted living facilities or living quarters do not require nurses' stations, although some facilities will include "aid" stations.

Services

Skilled Nursing Facility

A nursing home will have a 24-hour, full-time skilled nursing staff. The facility is required to have a registered nurse as its director. Licensed practical nurses may be employed, but a registered nurse must supervise the medical oversight of patients. There are nurses' aides, a kitchen staff, activities and a janitorial staff employed. Skilled nursing is the main emphasis of the facility and all residents are patients who are recovering from a long-term illness, completing rehabilitation or perhaps may never leave the facility due to a degenerative condition. All patients will be attended several times a day for any number of reasons. Those who are able will dress and go to the social areas and can have their meals in the dining room. Others, less ambulatory will have meals brought to their rooms.

Assisted Living

Usually less expensive, along with a variety of living quarters, the same applies to services. Assisted living facilities/communities offer tiered services. The resident may require the assistance of care staff. Typical services include the assistance or supervision of bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, continence management, medication, meals. Most residents eat in a dining room setting or room service is available for those who are not feeling well. Housekeeping, maintenance and laundry services are provided. They may be there temporarily, which is often referred to as a respite stay, or wish to stay as a permanent resident.