Nursing homes are the most expensive option, averaging around $116,800 per year, while assisted living and in-home care are generally more affordable alternatives.
Jump to insightAssisted living promotes social interaction and independent living with amenities like gyms and walking trails, whereas nursing homes prioritize safety and medical care.
Jump to insightIn-home care allows seniors to remain in familiar surroundings with part-time or full-time assistance, making it ideal for those who require minimal support.
Jump to insightCompare assisted living vs. nursing home vs. home care
Before making a decision about where your loved one should live, you need to know the costs, assistance options and features available. Having an open conversation about your loved one’s preferences also gives them some control over their life. Three of the most popular senior living options are assisted living, skilled nursing and in-home care.
| Assisted living | Nursing home | In-home care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Active lifestyle options, social entertainment | Social options, skilled nursing care, more security | At-home treatment, full-time and part-time options |
| Average cost* | $64,200 per year | $116,800 per year for a private room | $75,500 per year |
| Medicare/Medicaid assistance available? | Medicare: Yes Medicaid: No | Yes, but some don’t accept Medicaid | Yes |
Benefits of assisted living
Assisted living facilities offer older adults a multitude of activities and entertainment options as part of a relatively independent living experience. Assisted living residents usually have the freedom to move about these facilities at their discretion. Think of these facilities like active apartment complexes with added benefits, like housekeeping and occasional help with tasks.
Most assisted living facilities have bigger rooms than other options because federal mandates require them to be at least 220 square feet (compared to the 90-square-foot requirement for nursing home rooms). These rooms may also include additional features like a small kitchen or sitting area.
In addition to their generally more comfortable living arrangements, assisted living facilities offer extracurricular activities and areas like:
- Gyms
- Workout classes
- Walking trails
- Day trips
- Gardens
- Game rooms
Most assisted living facilities pride themselves on providing healthy dining options, but some also offer on-site restaurants and bars. Most of the time, families can dine with residents as well.
If it seems like these facilities are more lax on rules and regulations, it’s because they usually are. That being said, reputable assisted living facilities are still staffed by full-time licensed care professionals.
» LEARN MORE: Assisted living vs. skilled nursing
Benefits of nursing homes
The main benefit of nursing homes is that they provide 24/7 medical care. This makes them a good option when your loved one needs regular medical care that you can’t provide at home. Whether a resident needs daily medication management, help going to the bathroom or routine visits from physical therapists, nursing home staff can manage their care plans. This is part of the cost at most facilities, which is why they’re so much more expensive than other senior living options.
The main benefit of nursing homes is that they provide 24/7 medical care.
Most nursing homes also offer entertainment options like bingo, movie nights and arts and crafts classes. Some nursing homes may offer outings, but their options are somewhat limited. In general, nursing homes don’t have as many amenities as assisted living facilities because residents require more care and are more prone to injuries or other medical concerns that make traveling difficult.
Most nursing homes also have smaller rooms because of safety concerns. If there’s too much space or too many pieces of furniture in a room, accidents are more likely. Nursing home rooms for two people are required to be at least 90 square feet, but many facilities offer larger rooms. Most rooms include their own bathrooms, which are extra large for added safety. These rooms are also frequently outfitted with panic buttons and call systems in order to provide immediate help when needed.
Generally speaking, nursing homes are designed with safety in mind, not social interaction. They may feel more stuffy than assisted living facilities, and they often don’t provide as many amenities. Nursing homes focus on security because they may have residents with memory problems or other conditions that can make them more likely to wander off or hurt themselves.
Benefits of in-home care
Unlike relocating your loved one to a nursing home or assisted living facility, in-home care is just that — in your home. In-home care is usually reserved for older people who can mostly get by during their day-to-day lives without help but may require assistance with things like bathing. In-home care can be scheduled in a few ways, ranging from 24/7 support to part-time help.
Most in-home caregivers offer general support like help with cooking, cleaning, therapy, dressing and bathing. For some people, in-home care also provides a simple form of social interaction. Even if a spouse or other caretaker is available, a private nurse can provide more skilled medical care, like inserting an IV.
Usually, older adults who receive in-home care have a long-term chronic illness, injury or disability that means they need assistance but doesn’t require them to stay in a nursing home. However, many people choose in-home care on a short-term basis, like after surgery when it’s hard to get to and from the hospital. This type of in-home care may be covered by insurance.
What is the difference between assisted living and nursing home care?
In general, the biggest difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home is the level of medical services available and included in the cost:
- Assisted living facilities are a better option for older people who don’t need medical attention on a regular basis but are looking for social interaction, general care and entertainment.
- Nursing homes are designed to be a more clinical solution, with around-the-clock medical care and specialized care like physical therapy.
Expect to spend about twice as much for a nursing home stay versus assisted living. This is because the nursing home rates often include 24-hour medical care. With assisted living, most medical care is an additional cost.
If your loved one needs more medical care, it’s safer and potentially cheaper to choose a nursing home. However, if your loved one is relatively healthy and maintains an active lifestyle, consider assisted living. You can always change your mind if you realize it’s not the right fit.
| Assisted living | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Custodial care | Medical care |
| Limited medical care | Specialized care |
| More freedom | More security |
| Apartment-like atmosphere | Hospital-like atmosphere |
| Cheaper | More expensive |
» RELATED: Average cost of long-term care insurance
FAQ
What happens if my loved one’s condition worsens in assisted living?
Most assisted living facilities allow residents to transition into higher levels of care within the same community or move to a nursing home if needed.
Are there senior care options for couples who want to stay together?
Yes, many assisted living facilities and some nursing homes offer shared rooms or adjacent units for couples.
What is respite care, and how does it fit into long-term senior care?
Respite care provides short-term relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break while their loved one receives professional care.
At what age do seniors typically move to assisted living or a nursing home?
The average age for seniors moving into assisted living or a nursing home is around 75 to 85 years old, but this varies based on health and personal needs.
Bottom line
If you’re already comparing your options, you’re on the right path. Just remember to take your loved one’s opinions into account and bring them with you to visit facilities so they feel as included as possible. Then, compare prices and payment options from a few of your picks to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Finally, be patient with the process and know you’re doing the right thing by researching and taking your time.
