Senior Living Basics: The Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes




When it comes to homes for the elderly, many people use the terms “assisted living” and “nursing homes” interchangeably. If you’ve done this before, don’t feel too bad. It’s a common mistake, and not everyone has taken RCFE administrator classes to learn the nuances of caring for seniors. If you’re interested in a career in senior care, or simply want a better understanding of a loved one in your life’s current living situation, however, it’s important to know the difference between the two.




Assisted Living Facilities

Individuals in assisted living facilities receive significantly less assistance during their time in the facility. Although residents in an assisted living facility do receive help with one or more of their everyday tasks, they are generally capable of handling the majority of their lifestyle responsibilities on their own. They simply seek out additional help on certain tasks which they either can not complete on their own, or prefer to have assistance with. It is common for assisted living facilities to offer transportation options, but many residents are also capable of driving themselves out for errands.




Nursing Homes

Life in a nursing home involves an increased level of assistance from the staff. This can include everything from tasks requiring too much dexterity, like getting dressed, to simpler tasks like getting up in the morning in the case of some residents. Due to the increased level of assistance required for residents in nursing homes, there is less indepence afforded to residents in nursing homes. Many times residents of nursing homes are moved in when their family caregivers can no longer provide the level of assistance they require, and need professional assistance. If you’re interested in a career in senior care, learning this distinction is an important first step. To pursue further opportunities, taking RCFE administrator classes provides you with the education you need to not only get by, but to thrive in caring for the elderly.

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