How Assisted Living Is Different from a Nursing Home

How Assisted Living Is Different from a Nursing Home

By Team Writer | February 20, 2025

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Seniors and their families just beginning their search for care can find it challenging to choose the right one. One of the most confusing aspects is the names: nursing home, assisted living, assisted living basic health, and skilled nursing. Since each provides a different type of care, we’ll take a look at the primary differences to help you make the right choice.

Medical care

One of the most important differences between assisted living and a nursing home is the medical care available. In typical assisted living communities, routine medical care is not provided. Assisted living residents are generally fairly active and healthy although they may need hands-on help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and mobility, they are independent and require limited care. 

For seniors with chronic health conditions or those recovering from an illness or injury, a nursing home (aka skilled nursing) is the best choice for either a short-term rehabilitation period or long-term care, depending on needs. In a nursing home residents receive round-the-clock medical care from licensed nurses and physicians who maintain ongoing communications with each resident’s healthcare provider. 

One notable option offered at Presbyterian Homes of Kentucky is assisted living basic health, which blends the care provided in assisted living and a nursing home. Our assisted living basic health services include everything provided by assisted living as well as onsite rehabilitation and nursing care, including medication management. 

Types of assistance

In assisted living, residents are assessed to determine the types of daily assistance they need to live a full and independent life. One person might only need a hand to get dressed and undressed while another will require help with showering, toileting, and other personal hygiene tasks. Residents receive this help when they need it and as more or less is required, assistance can be quickly adjusted and provided in the privacy of their apartment.

In nursing homes, the staff provides medical care as well as a high level of oversight so residents can maintain the greatest possible level of independence in a safe and secure environment. Sometimes called a hospital step-down, nursing homes maintain constant surveillance similar to a hospital, which can mean less privacy than in assisted living so medical staff can have easy access. 

One exception to this loss of privacy is in assisted living basic care where residents enjoy the same privacy as assisted living residents with the added benefits of daily prescribed medical care. For more about how nursing homes and assisted living differ, check out the health.usnews.com article, “Understanding the Differences Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living.”

Types of activities

In assisted living the emphasis is on leading an active and engaging life and the types of activities reflect that goal. Residents are able to choose from a variety of activities like exercise classes, movies, games, crafts, and bus trips to local venues. Because residents are generally mobile and healthy, activities are designed to encourage residents to maintain their independence and autonomy.

In a nursing home, residents are in recovery or treatment and thus spend much of their time in therapy sessions. For example, a resident who is recovering from a stroke may need physical, occupational, and speech therapy while another who had hip surgery may only require physical therapy. Of course, there are also social activities for residents to keep them involved and entertained like games, puzzles, reading, and movies. For look at what to expect the seniorsguide.com article “A Day in the Life: Skilled Nursing Facility,” is a great resource.

Cost

Another important difference between assisted living and nursing homes is cost. According to the healthline.com article, “Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: How to Choose the Right Level of Care,” while Medicare may cover a portion of the costs of a nursing home, the cost can be double that of assisted living due to the high costs associated with medical care. 

As noted in the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey the national monthly median cost of assisted living is $5,350, while the same for a nursing home is $9,733 for a private room and $8,669 for a semi-private room. 

When comparing, keep in mind that the cost of assisted living basic health at Presbyterian Homes of Kentucky is all-inclusive and based on budget with a flat monthly fee. Best of all, thanks to our continuum of care, once medical care is no longer needed, residents can transition to assisted living easily without having to leave their friends behind.Presbyterian Homes of Kentucky is a not-for-profit serving seniors since 1947. To learn more about our services and communities, contact us and schedule a tour.