People sometimes confuse assisted living facilities (ALFs) and senior care homes, but these two living options are very different. Also known as nursing homes, senior care facilities are meant for elderly people who need constant care from a nurse or another health care professional. Assisted living, on the other hand, is for people who need support getting around or accomplishing some daily tasks, but do not require around-the-clock care.

Assisted living homes are also not the same as retirement communities. A retirement community is a type of senior independent living option. Retirees in these communities live in their own units and usually do not require much, if any, professional help on a daily basis.

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Learn the Difference Between Assisted Living and Other Options


If you or a loved one needs some assistance for daily living, then an assisted living home may be the best option. Assisted living communities may often come with amenities such as restaurants, transportation, help with housekeeping and access to a kitchen.

However, if someone needs access to 24 hour and emergency care, a nursing home may be the better option. Residens in nursing homes often have debilitating conditions, and may be bedridden or require the use of a wheelchair.

Nursing homes may have additional amenities such as access to dental care, specialized medical services, help with prescription medicine management, and more. Because of these amenities, nursing homes are often more expensive than other options.

A retirement community is best if someone is relatively independent and does not need a lot of help with day-to-day living.

By Admin