Skilled Nursing Care vs. Assisted Living: What's the Difference?

The world of senior living offers many lifestyle options, each designed to cater to varying care needs and goals. Unfortunately, these varying levels can be confusing to someone trying to figure out which one is right for them or someone they love.

Because they both offer support and assistance to residents, skilled nursing care and assisted living services are often mistaken for one another. However, they are quite different.

At Vivage Beecan, our communities offer skilled nursing care as well as other support and care options. Through our experience, we have developed a deep understanding of these care options, and we want to help you find the right lifestyle option for yourself or your family. Our team is highlighting the key differences between skilled nursing care and assisted living services as well as sharing the benefits of each.

Understanding Assisted Living Care

According to the American Health Care Association, 

“Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.”

Essentially, assisted living was created for individuals who need support and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.). Many assisted living communities are designed like residential apartment homes. Each resident has their own space but benefits from living in a supportive community setting that encourages engagement and socialization.

Every community offers its own set of unique services and amenities, but common assisted living amenities include:

• 24-hour supervision
• Dining options
• Personal care services
• Community social activities and events
• Emergency call systems
• Home maintenance

The Benefits of Assisted Living

1. Enhanced Safety and Security

Assisted living communities are designed to provide a safe environment for residents, with features like emergency call systems, 24-hour supervision, and secure entrances. This ensures that individuals have immediate assistance in emergencies, reducing the risk of accidents and providing peace of mind for residents and their families.

2. Personalized Care and Assistance

Residents receive personalized care tailored to their individual needs. Trained caregivers and team members assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility. This level of support helps assisted living residents maintain their independence while ensuring they receive the care they need.

3. Social Engagement and Activities

Assisted living communities offer a variety of social activities and events, from group outings and fitness classes to arts and crafts sessions. These opportunities for engagement help residents form friendships, stay active, and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

4. Nutritious Meals and Dietary Support

Balanced and nutritious meals are provided, often tailored to meet specific dietary needs or preferences. Professional chefs and dietitians ensure that residents receive healthy, tasty meals that support their overall well-being without the hassle of meal preparation and cleanup.

5. Peace of Mind for Families

Knowing their loved ones are in a supportive and caring environment relieves stress and worry for families. They can rest assured that their family members are being well-cared for, which allows them to focus on enjoying quality time together rather than managing day-to-day care needs.

Understanding Skilled Nursing Care

Skilled nursing communities, also referred to as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or nursing homes, provide 24/7 care for individuals requiring specialized medical care or daily therapy services in a skilled-care setting. Designed for individuals managing or recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, skilled nursing care services are performed by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

At Vivage Beecan, we offer skilled nursing and long-term care services to those who need 24-hour care and support. Through personalized care options, we strive to provide a safe home and contribute to high-quality healthcare experiences.

With over 40 years of experience creating excellence in the skilled nursing field, our team members have an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care possible coupled with sincere compassion. Our team’s focus is on making a difference in the lives of others.

Skilled nursing and long-term care services throughout our Vivage Beecan communities are provided to work in conjunction with the medical needs of each individual staying with us. These skilled nursing services may include:

• On-site physician services
• Telemedicine options
• Diabetic care and management
• Wound care
• Pain management
• Medically complex diagnosis
• IV (infusion) therapies
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Tracheostomy care
• Restorative nursing program

The Benefits of Skilled Nursing Care

1. Comprehensive Medical Services

Skilled nursing care communities provide a wide range of medical services, including wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, medication management, and physical therapy. These services are administered by licensed healthcare professionals, ensuring that residents receive high-quality medical care tailored to their specific needs.

2. 24/7 Supervision and Support

Skilled nursing communities offer around-the-clock supervision and support from trained medical team members. This continuous monitoring ensures that any medical issues or emergencies are promptly addressed, providing peace of mind for residents and families alike.

3. Specialized Care for Chronic Conditions

Residents with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory ailments, receive specialized care and treatment plans designed to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Skilled nursing team members are experienced in handling complex medical conditions and can provide the necessary care to maintain resident health.

4. Rehabilitation and Therapy Services

Skilled nursing communities often offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. These services help residents recover from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses, promoting faster and more effective healing and improving their ability to perform daily activities independently.

Key Differences 

While both assisted living services and skilled nursing care fall under the “senior living” umbrella and offer supportive services, the main difference lies in the level of care provided. 

In an assisted living community, individuals receive care and support that can be done by a certified nursing assistant (CNA), Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP), or a trained caregiver. This type of care typically includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. Assisted living communities often provide a social environment with activities and events designed to enhance the residents' quality of life and promote social engagement.

In contrast, skilled nursing care needs to be provided by a licensed medical professional, such as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This level of care is more intensive and is suitable for individuals who require ongoing medical treatment and monitoring for conditions such as chronic illnesses, post-surgical recovery, or rehabilitation after an injury. Skilled nursing facilities are equipped to handle complex medical needs and often have doctors and other healthcare professionals on staff.

Your health and care needs, or the health and care needs of a family member, will determine which level of care is the most beneficial and will best enhance your quality of life. To make the best choice, it's important to carefully assess the specific medical and personal care requirements and consider the individual's social and emotional well-being. Consulting with healthcare providers and visiting potential communities or facilities can also provide valuable insights to inform your decision.

Ways to Pay for Care

Understanding the financial options available for senior care is crucial in planning for assisted living or skilled nursing care. Here are several ways to pay for these services:

1. Private Pay

Many individuals and families utilize personal savings, pensions, and retirement funds to cover the cost of assisted living or skilled nursing care. This method, known as private pay, offers flexibility and control over the choice of care services and facilities. However, it can be expensive, and it's important to plan carefully to ensure long-term affordability.

2. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of care not typically accounted for by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These policies can be used to pay for assisted living, skilled nursing, and other long-term care services, including home health care. It's advisable to purchase long-term care insurance well before it's needed, as premiums increase with age and policy details may vary.

3. Medicare

While Medicare does not cover long-term stays in assisted living communities, it can cover short-term skilled nursing care under certain conditions. Specifically, Medicare Part A may pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following a hospital stay of at least three days. It's important to understand the limitations and specific requirements of Medicare coverage.

5. Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their spouses may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help cover the cost of senior care. The Aid and Attendance benefit, for example, offers monthly payments in addition to a veteran's regular pension. These funds can be used for assisted living or skilled nursing care. Eligibility criteria and benefit amounts vary, so it is recommended that you contact the VA for specific information.

7. Life Insurance Settlements

Some life insurance policies offer the option of life settlements or accelerated death benefits, which allow policyholders to use a portion of their policy's value while still alive. This approach can provide immediate funds to cover the cost of senior care. However, it reduces the death benefit and should be considered carefully in the context of overall financial planning.

At Vivage Beecan, we pride ourselves on offering the Right Care in the Right Place at the Right Time. By this, we mean that the care we provide in our long-term care communities throughout Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming is catered to the personal needs of each of our residents. We work with you and your family to create a customized plan that aims to improve overall health and wellness.

If you would like to learn more about our levels of care, services, or communities, we encourage you to contact a member of the Vivage Beecan team today.

Updated: September 2024