Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities provide very different levels of senior care. It’s important to understand the distinction when choosing long-term care.

Skilled nursing facilities offer 24-hour medical care from licensed nurses. Seniors reside in hospital-like settings with shared rooms. Care is focused on medical needs like wound care, intravenous medications, dementia, stroke recovery, hospice or post-surgery rehabilitation. Skilled nursing assists with activities of daily living but also provides physical, occupational and speech therapy. Physicians oversee care plans. These facilities function like short-term rehab hospitals with comprehensive clinical services covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

In contrast, assisted living facilities provide supervision and assistance with daily living in a residential apartment-home setting. Care is given by personal care aides, certified nursing assistants and med techs. The focus is on personal care like bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility and medication reminders. Registered nurses monitor residents’ health. Social activities, meals, housekeeping and transportation are provided to maximize independence. Long-term stays are common. Assisted living offers a maintenance level of care, not complex medical intervention.

While some facilities offer a continuum of care, the two types suit different needs. Assisted living fosters independence for those requiring day-to-day help. Skilled nursing serves seniors recovering from surgery or with intensive clinical needs.

Tour both types of communities for your loved one if unsure of the appropriate level of care. Consult doctors on whether assisted living can meet current and future needs, or if skilled nursing is recommended. Make sure the financial costs align with the services required. With an understanding of the differences in care, an informed choice can be made about assisted living versus skilled nursing to meet a senior’s unique needs.