3 Key Differences: Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

When searching for the best senior care for your loved one, you’ll encounter many options—assisted living, senior living, nursing homes, and home care. But what is the best fit for your family? Here, we break down the key differences between assisted living vs. nursing home to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is designed for seniors who want to live in a community setting while benefiting from socialization, fresh and local dining, and, if needed, quality care. Residents live in apartments of varying sizes, allowing for as much or as little social interaction as they prefer. Assisted living communities offer engagement opportunities, meals in a community dining room, and access to a 24-hour care team when needed.

What Is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home is a good option for seniors with chronic health conditions who require skilled care. Nursing homes offer engagement programs, dining services (either in a communal dining room or via room service for those unable to leave their rooms), and 24-hour care.

Differences in Care: Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Assisted Living: Residents and their families collaborate with the care team to create a personalized care plan that can be adjusted over time. Assisted living communities typically have a 24/7 on-site care team available for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, and toileting. Some assisted living communities also offer specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Nursing Home: Residents often have higher medical needs requiring skilled care. Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical supervision and work closely with families to develop individualized care plans.

Differences in Dining: Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Assisted Living: A major benefit of assisted living is the vibrant sense of community, which extends to dining. At Northbridge, we offer a Signature Program, Eat Fresh, Eat Local, where our communities partner with local vendors and growers to provide residents with fresh, locally sourced meals. Many of our chefs come from restaurant backgrounds and craft menus that cater to seniors’ nutritional needs while ensuring flavorful and enjoyable dining experiences.
Nursing Home: Nursing homes offer meals tailored to the specific dietary needs of residents, such as heart-healthy or softer food options. Residents can enjoy meals in the communal dining area or, if necessary, from their rooms.

Differences in Engagement: Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Assisted Living: Engagement is a core part of assisted living communities, with teams dedicated to organizing activities based on residents’ interests. Activities may include exercise classes, art workshops, museum trips, and happy hours. These programs foster social connections, provide a sense of purpose, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a fun and engaging environment.
Nursing Home: Nursing homes also provide engagement opportunities, though activities are often adapted to meet the mobility and health needs of residents. Programs are scheduled throughout the day to encourage socialization and engagement.

Making the Right Choice

The senior living journey comes with many questions and requires thorough research. We hope this comparison of assisted living vs. nursing home helps guide you in the right direction.

At Northbridge, our assisted living and memory care communities empower residents to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of supportive services when needed.

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