With the different types of senior care out there, it can be difficult for families to understand which one will best suit their loved ones. On paper, an assisted living community and a skilled nursing center sound very similar, which can make choosing the best care for your loved one confusing and hard to navigate.

While assisted living and nursing home descriptions can sound similar, there are distinct differences between the two types of care.

An assisted living community is a senior housing option where residents receive support from professional caregivers to allow them to lead an independent life. In these communities, residents usually have their private apartments or suite. Caregivers are always near-by around the clock to assist when needed.

In an assisted living community residents also receive support with a variety of personal care tasks such as grooming and bathing as well as medication management continence care, and toileting. Other standard amenities and services include:

Daily life-enrichment opportunities are also available in an assisted living community. These opportunities include things such as on and off-campus social activities such as book clubs, card groups, and movie nights.

A nursing home is focused on caring for residents who have more complex medical needs. For a nursing home, skilled nurses are available 24 hours a day, typically with physical and occupational therapists on staff as well.

Similar to an assisted living community, residents in a nursing home also require help with their basic living tasks such as dressing, eating, bathing, and medication management. Residents will commonly have a private or semi-private room with a bathroom, without a kitchenette or living room.

Residents enjoy three nutritious meals a day and also have the opportunity to participate in life-enrichment activities like cultural outings, art gallery visits, and book clubs. Housekeeping and laundry services are also provided, along with a limited transportation schedule.

When choosing between a nursing home and an assisted living facility, it is essential to base the decision on your senior loved one’s wishes and specific needs. A great way to get started is to sit down together with your loved one and create a list of areas and tasks of daily life they struggle with to help you move in the right direction.

Paramount Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living services, providing a range of assisted living services and other senior care to meet your family member’s needs. When searching for “assisted living near me,” be sure to choose Paramount Senior Living. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living services.