Skilled Nursing Facility vs Assisted Living: What Are the Differences?
If you are moving your loved one into a senior housing facility, you have a lot of things to consider. Like staffing levels, amenities, and the level of care each facility offers before making your decision.
There are many important differences between a skilled nursing facility vs assisted living. You don’t want to choose the wrong facility wrong for your loved one or your family’s needs.
While there are somewhat blurred lines between each, there are some key differences between them.
Here are a few things that you need to consider when deciding between a skilled nursing facility vs assisted living.
Are They The Same?
What is a skilled nursing facility? It is a type of nursing home that provides skilled nursing care, as well as rehabilitation services. While an assisted living facility is a type of housing facility that assists with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
They also provide care for common health problems. While both types of facilities offer some level of care and assistance, there are some key differences.
Type of Care Provided
Skilled nursing facilities are designed for seniors who need around-the-clock medical care and assistance with daily living activities. Also nursing care for residents who need ongoing care and supervision due to a debilitating illness or injury. And as a result, they also tend to be more expensive than ASL.
Assisted living homes are designed for seniors who need some assistance with daily living activities but do not need constant medical care. Some of the services typically provided in an assisted living facility include meals, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping. You can read here, to know more about assisted living.
Staffing Levels
Skilled nursing facilities have a higher staff-to-resident ratio, as well as more licensed nurses on staff. This allows them to provide more individualized care to each elderly resident. Assisted living homes have a lower one, which means that residents have more independence and privacy.
Amenities and Services
SNF offers a wider range of on-site amenities and services than assisted living homes. This includes things like on-site physical and occupational therapy, social and recreational activities, and housekeeping and laundry services. Assisted living homes offer a smaller range of on-site amenities and services.
Skilled Nursing Facility vs Assisted Living? Consider Your Loved One’s Need
It is important to understand the differences between the two types of communities when choosing the best option for your loved one. Deciding between a skilled nursing facility vs assisted living, it is important to consider your loved one’s needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
If your loved one needs a high level of care and supervision, then it’s SNF. But for a more independent lifestyle with some assistance, an ALF may be a better fit.
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