What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?
If you’re looking at senior living options, there’s a lot of confusing jargon to learn. One common question is about the difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home.
While they may seem like the same thing, they’re actually very different. Look at the key differences between nursing homes and assisted living communities, and learn which option is best for you or your loved one.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are the perfect place for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, but want to remain as independent as possible. Expert caregivers are always nearby 24/7 to offer assistance when needed. However, there isn’t an expectation of constant care.
The focus of assisted living is providing a robust social environment with a full calendar of enriching activities, wellness programs and more, while also being able to offer personalized assistance to residents only when they need it.
More About the Activities of Daily Living
Care is personalized in assisted living communities by assessing how easily a resident can perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which are basic tasks people need to complete daily in order to survive.
ADLs include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Using the bathroom
- Rising from a seated to standing position
- Walking
Another group of ADLs is called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These tasks aren’t essential to survival, but do aid in a higher quality of life.
IDALs include:
- Managing finances
- Managing medications
- Preparing meals
- Doing housework
- Shopping
- Managing transportation
It’s important to remember that just because someone can’t perform one ADL or IADL doesn’t mean they can’t perform another. For instance, one senior may have trouble buckling a belt or buttoning a shirt, while another might just need a reminder to take their medications.
This is why a person-centered approach to care is essential in communities that offer assisted living, like Legacy Pointe.
You Can Still Pursue Your Interests in a Community That Includes Assisted Living
Most services and amenities at senior living communities are available to both residents in independent living and assisted living. A person-centered approach to care also means adapting offered activities to match the capabilities of each resident so they can continue to pursue their hobbies and passions.
Here are just a few ways you can enjoy retirement with the services and amenities at Legacy Pointe:
- Beauty salon/barbershop
- Classrooms
- Creative arts studio
- Fitness center
- Gardening areas
- Game rooms
- Multiple dining venues
- Heated outdoor pool
There are also plenty of social opportunities at our senior living community in Oviedo, FL. Grab a bite to eat with your neighbors, sign up for a lifelong learning class and discuss something new with your classmates, or book an exciting tour through the Rosen Hospitality and Tourism Program.
What Do Assisted Living Apartment Homes Look Like?
Though the floor plans in assisted living communities vary widely, they’re thoughtfully designed with all the features you need to create an inviting home.
The assisted living apartments at Legacy Pointe are available in several floor plans. For instance, The Nona floor plan features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, an open living space with a dining room, and a laundry room. If you’re looking for something a little cozier, tour The Eustis floor plan, which is a spacious one-bedroom senior apartment featuring a kitchen peninsula.
Are Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities the Same?
A nursing home, sometimes known as a skilled nursing community, is the ideal place for older adults who need constant medical care. It provides a higher level of care than assisted living by offering more hands-on help with routine activities. Any senior who needs treatment from a registered nurse 24 hours a day or daily therapy services will need skilled nursing.
At Legacy Pointe, we offer a continuum of care and have a caring and comfortable skilled nursing neighborhood on campus that’s specifically for those who require short-term care while recovering from a hospital stay or for those who need long-term care.
We offer round-the-clock care from highly trained licensed health care professionals, and we work with each resident’s personal physician to tailor a program that meets the unique needs and preferences of every individual.
What Do Suites Look Like in Skilled Nursing?
Typically, residents live in semiprivate rooms, and you’re likely to see a lot more medical equipment than you would in assisted living. Floor plans are small, but still have accommodating features like spacious bathrooms, plenty of closet space, and bedrooms large enough for all essential comforts of home.
The skilled nursing floor plans at Legacy Pointe are completely private with large windows for plenty of natural light. Each bathroom features walk-in showers with grab bars and countertop sinks for easy access to personal hygiene items.
Get the Care You Need Exactly When You Need It at Legacy Pointe
If you have a loved one who needs assisted living or skilled nursing, Legacy Pointe, will be accepting new residents directly starting September 5th, 2022. To learn more about our continuum of care and senior living options near Orlando, FL, fill out this contact form or call us at 407-917-6418, and we’ll be happy to schedule a tour or answer your questions!