Table of Contents
Summary
This article explores the key differences between assisted living and nursing homes, focusing on the offerings at Rose Senior Living Providence Park. Assisted living is designed for seniors who require some assistance with daily activities while maintaining independence. Nursing homes are more suitable for individuals with advanced medical needs or those who require 24/7 skilled nursing care. By understanding the distinctions between these two options, you can make an informed decision about the best living arrangement for your loved one.
Introduction
The journey of aging can bring unique challenges and changes in living arrangements. For many seniors and their families, the question of whether to choose assisted living or a nursing home can be a significant and sometimes confusing one. Both options offer valuable services, but they cater to different needs and situations. To help you make an informed decision on which level of care is more appropriate for your loved one, we’ll first define each one. Then we’ll do a comparative analysis on how each level of care typically meets a variety of standard senior living criteria.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is designed for seniors who are still able to maintain a level of independence but require some assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management. Typically, an assessment is conducted, along with discussions with the residents and their families, to determine the specific assistance needed. Once a customized care plan is created, a specialized care team then provides the specific services required. Regular evaluations and check-ins ensure the care plan remains appropriate, and services can be adjusted over time as needs change.
What are nursing homes?
Nursing homes, on the other hand, are more suitable for individuals with advanced medical needs or those who require 24/7 skilled nursing care for complex health issues such as chronic illnesses, disabilities, serious age-related conditions, or post-surgery recovery. Upon admission, a thorough evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to create a personalized care plan that outlines the specific medical treatments, therapies, and personal care services required. The input of the resident and their family members is considered to tailor the services to meet expectations and improve the resident’s quality of life.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: A Point-by-Point Comparison
When choosing between nursing homes and assisted living residences for senior care, it’s crucial to understand the key differences and similarities across several important criteria. This comparative analysis provides a detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Level of Care
| Services and Features | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| Care Intensity | Offer a higher level of medical care, suitable for individuals with severe health conditions. | Provides support with daily activities, but not intensive medical care. |
| Medical Services | 24/7 nursing care, regular medical supervision, and access to specialized healthcare providers. | Assistance with medication management and basic health services. |
| Staff Expertise | Staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. | Primarily personal care aides and some licensed nursing staff available. |
At Rose Senior Living Providence Park, our teams are specially trained to provide the highest levels of compassionate personalized assistance for our assisted living residents.
Living Environment
| Environment Features | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| Room Types | Often shared rooms, though private rooms are available at a higher cost. | Typically, private apartments or shared suites, more home-like. |
| Facilities | Hospital-like setting with more clinical equipment and layout. | Communal areas such as dining rooms, social spaces, and outdoor areas. |
| Atmosphere | More institutional, with a focus on medical care. | More residential and community-focused, promoting independence. |
At Rose Senior Living Providence Park in Novi, MI, we offer a variety of beautifully designed studio and one-bedroom assisted living floor plans with all the comforts and conveniences that will make your loved one feel right at home.
Lifestyle: Services, Amenities, and Activities
| Lifestyle Features | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Services | Meals, laundry, housekeeping, and personal care. | Meals, laundry, housekeeping, and personal care. |
| Additional Services | Rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized medical treatments. | Transportation, fitness and wellness programs, and some health monitoring. |
| Activities | Limited recreational activities due to residents’ health conditions. | More varied recreational and social activities, outings, and events to encourage engagement and socialization. |
At Rose Senior Living, we’re committed to a holistic approach to total senior well-being by providing a health and wellness navigation team who guide residents through our wide variety of programs and services that focus on all 8 Dimensions of Wellness. And here, dining is special. Seven days a week we’re serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a delicious, restaurant-style menu of fresh, healthy selections impeccably prepared by our Executive Chef and culinary team.
Cost
| Category | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| National Median Monthly Cost | $8,669 to $9,733 | $5,350 |
| Detroit, MI (area) Median Monthly Cost | $10,798 to $13,657 | $5,949 |
| Payment Options | Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, and long-term care insurance. | Primarily private pay, long-term care insurance. |
At Rose Senior Living Providence Park, we’re committed to providing the best possible assisted living experience in a warm and welcoming community at the best possible price. We always recommend consulting our senior living experts or your trusted financial advisor to discuss the financial options which would work best for your family.
Regulations and Oversight
| Regulatory Focus | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Strictly regulated by federal and state agencies. | Regulated by state agencies, with regulations varying widely by state. |
| Inspections | Regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. | Periodic inspections, but less frequent and intensive than nursing homes. |
| Licensing | Required to be licensed and meet stringent healthcare criteria. | Required to meet state-specific licensing requirements. |
From the beginning, the goal of Edward Rose and Sons has been to provide assisted living that feels like family, feels like home. That commitment continues with our management partnership with Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company. In 2023, Life Care Services earned the J.D. Power award for Customer Satisfaction in Senior Living among independent living residents for the fifth consecutive year. The company also added a #1 ranking for Assisted Living/Memory Care in 2023. Together, Edward Rose and Sons and Life Care Services bring innovative leadership, strong financial stewardship, and decades of know-how to ensure the very finest senior living experiences.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is crucial when making decisions about senior care. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who require some assistance with daily activities but can still maintain a degree of independence. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed for individuals who have advanced medical needs or require 24/7 skilled nursing care.
By carefully considering the specific needs and preferences of your loved one, you can make an informed decision about the most suitable living arrangement. Assisted living at Rose Senior Living Providence Park offers a supportive and engaging environment that promotes independence and well-being.
Ready to Learn More About Our Assisted Living Options?
Contact us at Rose Senior Living Providence Park to schedule a personalized tour and discuss your loved one’s unique needs. Our dedicated team in Novi, MI, is committed to providing exceptional care and support, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle in a place that feels like family, feels like home.