As our bodies age, at some point, it becomes natural that we need help with more and more day-to-day tasks. Maybe you’ve noticed this happening to a loved one, or yourself. In any case, you’re wondering whether it’s time to make some changes.

But when choosing the best active adult community, people often assume that senior care and nursing homes are the same. That isn’t so! Over the past few decades, these two styles of senior living have become radically different.

That being said, let’s learn more about them to clarify their differences and determine the best for you.

What Is Senior Living?

Senior living is when seniors can no longer sustain an independent lifestyle but want to remain social and connected with the world. In addition to housing, living in a senior community offers individuals to connect with others who are in a similar stage of life.

Senior living communities are designed to offer a more home-like, social atmosphere. These communities focus on providing independence and a great quality of life for older adults. These communities offer engaging activities, healthy meals, exercise programs, and tailored care plans.

What Is A Nursing Home?

The term “nursing homes” describes residential settings with nursing profession who offer quality care, usually round-the-clock. As they grow older, individuals need help with routine tasks or have specific medical needs. And that’s where nursing homes can hugely benefit such people, offering quality day-to-day medical care.

An example of this would be: Suppose you or a loved one suffered a stroke, heart attack, or injury requiring 24/7 attention, a skilled nursing facility would be an excellent alternative.

Having done with the basics, let’s now check out some similarities and differences between assisted living and nursing homes.

55+ Communities Vs. Nursing Homes – The Similarities

Both types of senior communities address seniors’ care needs while providing support with various day-to-day activities, including:

• Lively environment: Among seniors, loneliness is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. And adult communities and nursing homes provide a range of life-enrichment activities to address their residents’ physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements.
• Healthy meals: Both kinds of communities have a strong emphasis on healthy eating. Here, residents receive balanced meals and nutritious snacks. Moreover, this is a plus point for those struggling to prepare meals at home, go grocery shopping, and plan meals.
• Medication supervision: Skips in medications or taking the wrong ones are major factors in why older people visit the emergency room. Managing them can be challenging, particularly for seniors who take many daily pills. Both kinds of communities can support members in properly managing their medication.

55+ Communities Vs. Nursing Homes – The Differences

• Level Of Care

Senior living is the perfect option for people who need assistance but still want to maintain independence. It relieves caregivers of the burden of providing regular, routine care and enables residents to stay in the least restrictive environment. Individuals may need help with transportation and medication management, as well as assistance with housekeeping and other activities of daily living, such as dressing and personal care.

Conversely, any need that falls outside that scope would indicate that senior living is better suited to a nursing home environment where professional medical teams are available 24/7 to provide skilled care for those suffering from more serious health concerns. This could include individuals needing respiratory care services or those under the care of physical or speech therapists.

• Living Environment

Assisted living communities are designed to give a safe and comfortable home-like environment. Residents enjoy the benefit of having their private apartment or suite complete with a bathroom and kitchenette that allows them to feel independent while still being able to take advantage of the community amenities and activities.

In contrast, nursing homes have more of a clinical environment, and residents typically live in private or semi-private rooms without additional amenities.

• Cost

Knowing how much senior living cost is an important factor when making a decision. For instance, living in assisted communities costs an average of $3,000-$6,000 monthly, depending on its location and what amenities you have access to.

On the other hand, the cost of nursing home care in the U.S. varies between regions and states, ranging from around $5,000 to a surreal $25,000. And that depends on several factors, including its geographic location, staffing levels, and overall service.

Wrapping Up

While senior living and nursing care may seem synonymous, they are two different things. Therefore, in deciding between the two, consider two equally important variables. First, identify the type of care most appropriate for you or your loved one. Second, evaluate your financial situation. Determine which level of care you need and what you can comfortably afford.

That said, are you looking for senior living or nursing care facility for yourself or a loved one? Consider reaching out to platforms like California 55 Plus Homes. Their expert team would surely be able to help you match your needs with the best Active Retirement California. Visit today!