Cardi B is to star in an upcoming film called “Assisted Living.” Why is this significant to us? We honestly never thought that we would be writing about a pop star and include the term ‘Assisted Living.” However, what we found when we started reading articles about the movie is something that is so often misunderstood when it comes to senior living; Assisted Living vs Nursing Home.

Assisted Living is frequently used interchangeably with the term, nursing home, which is exactly what many authors were doing as they wrote their articles on this film. Most of their verbiage entailed, “the upcoming film is about Cardi B hiding in her Grandmother’s nursing home” right after calling her Grandmother’s home an Assisted Living.

While we do not know much about the film itself or if in fact, it is about a Nursing Home rather than an Assisted Living (although the title suggests Assisted Living), North Star Senior Advisors would like to educate those on the stigma that is largely associated between the two. This is because an Assisted Living and Nursing Home are very different, but many individuals think they are the same and also think that their loved ones need a Nursing Home when in fact, they do not. If they need assistance throughout the day that does not require 24/7 nursing care, an Assisted Living most of the time is more appropriate.

Let’s break down the differences between Assisted Living vs Nursing Home.

A Nursing Home’s technical definition is: a private institution providing residential accommodations with healthcare, especially for elderly people. While this may sound relatively similar to assisted living, they are very different in many ways. A Nursing Home is used for two things:

1. Rehabilitation which is a short-term stay at a nursing home that offers additional therapy, typically after surgery or maybe an accident. For example, if your loved one falls and breaks a bone, they may be sent to the hospital to get surgery. After a few days or more, they are typically discharged to a rehab center to receive therapy (physical, occupational, or speech) short term rehab.
2. Long Term Care is where a resident can reside long term if they need more rigorous, around the clock nursing care.

The Long term care option is typically for those that need a higher acuity of care, are bed-bound or need a nurse 24/7 to care for certain things (peg tube, iv, feeding tube, wound past stage 3, etc). Assisted Living is not able to care for those that need this type of care. However, it’s important to note that an assisted living can do a lot of what a nursing home can do minus the few things mentioned above. What’s also important to note is that assisted living has different license types to be able to care for those with a higher level of care. Some assisted living can care for those with a feeding tube, oxygen, colostomy bag, and assist with injectable medication.

Assisted Living is a part of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing and personal care as well as healthcare. It’s great for seniors who can no longer live on their own and need help with their personal and healthcare tasks of everyday life, sometimes called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This includes Bathing, Dressing, Toileting (incontinence care), and Transferring (to or from bed or chair).

Eligibility for admission is based on an individual’s care level requirements as well. Residents entering assisted living facilities often need assistance with ADL’s mentioned above. It’s also important to know what level of care you or your loved one needs as there are 4 license types of assisted living that can accommodate different care levels. These 4 license types can accommodate certain care needs, thus, can do much of what a nursing home can do.

Those that have extensive medical or care needs that require daily nursing services such as a Hoyer lift or are bed-bound as mentioned before would not be appropriate for assisted living.  If you do require this type of care, then a skilled nursing home would be the best option.

Let a Senior Advisor help determine assisted living vs nursing home

It can be an overwhelming experience as most families have to address the needs of their loved ones while having to take the time to search through countless community types that may or may not meet their needs, budget, and criteria. Without proper guidance, this process can be costly and take more time than needed.

An experienced senior living advisor can not only save you time narrowing down options but work as your advocate during this already emotional and confusing time.

Selecting a senior placement company, like North Star Senior Advisors that have the credentials, experience, professionalism, and passion for what they do will provide a positive overall experience and ensure that a proper placement has occurred. Let experienced experts guide you!

For more information about assisted living or a nursing home near you or to speak with an experienced senior living advisor today, visit our website at www.northstarsa.com or call us directly at 407-796-1582.