What Is The Difference Between Skilled Nursing And Assisted Living? (6 Common Questions Answered)

Discover the surprising differences between skilled nursing and assisted living in just 6 common questions answered.

The primary difference between skilled nursing and assisted living is the level of medical treatment services and personal care assistance provided. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour supervision and medical care from onsite health professionals, as well as specialized therapy services and comprehensive care plans for long-term support needs. Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, provide personal care assistance and social activities programs to help residents maintain their independence, but do not offer the same level of medical care as skilled nursing facilities.

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What Are The Medical Treatment Services Offered In Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing offers a variety of medical treatment services, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, medical social services, wound care management, pain management, disease and infection control, medication administration and monitoring, nutritional counseling and support, catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal, IV Therapy/Infusion Services, Respiratory Care Services, Diabetes Management & Education, Restorative Nursing Programs, and Fall Prevention Programs.

Skilled nursing facilities typically provide 24-hour supervision by a staff of registered nurses and certified nursing assistants. This staff is available to provide medical services, medication management and administration, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Skilled nursing facilities also have emergency response protocols and safety measures in place to ensure the safety of residents.

Assisted living facilities typically provide 24-hour supervision by a staff of caregivers and certified nursing assistants. This staff is available to provide assistance with ADLs, medication management and administration, and recreational activities. Assisted living facilities also have emergency response protocols and safety measures in place to ensure the safety of residents.

Residents of both skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have access to a variety of independent living options. These include self-care activities, socialization opportunities, personalized services, 24-hour supervision, assistance with daily tasks, access to medical care and support services, transportation options, meal plans and nutrition counseling, recreational activities and outings, housekeeping and laundry services, safety features such as emergency call systems, social events, clubs, classes, or other programs, and pet friendly policies.

Skilled nursing centers typically offer a wide range of specialized therapy services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, respiratory care, cardiac rehabilitation, pain management, orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, balance and gait training, cognitive retraining, adaptive equipment training, fall prevention programs, and recreational therapies. Assisted living centers typically offer fewer specialized therapy services, such as socialization activities, recreational therapies, and fall prevention programs.

Skilled nursing facilities are better suited to meet long-term support needs due to their comprehensive medical services, 24-hour skilled nursing care, specialized therapies and treatments, onsite rehabilitation programs, memory care units, supervised medication management, and respite stays. Assisted living centers, on the other hand, provide social and recreational activities, personalized assistance with daily tasks, nutritious meals and snacks, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation to appointments, private or semi-private rooms, and other amenities.

Mistake: Skilled nursing and assisted living are the same thing.

Correct Viewpoint: Skilled nursing and assisted living are two different types of care. Skilled nursing is a type of medical care provided by licensed nurses, while assisted living provides non-medical support services such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, housekeeping, meals, transportation, and social activities.
Mistake: Assisted Living facilities provide 24/7 medical care.

Correct Viewpoint: Assisted Living facilities do not provide 24/7 medical care; they offer non-medical support services to help residents maintain their independence in an environment that is safe and secure. Residents may receive some basic health monitoring from staff members but any additional medical needs must be met through outside providers or skilled nursing facilities if needed.
Mistake: All skilled nursing facilities offer the same level of care.

Correct Viewpoint: Not all skilled nursing facilities offer the same level of care; some specialize in short-term rehabilitation while others focus on long-term custodial or palliative care for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities who require more intensive assistance than what can be provided at an assisted living facility