What is the difference between a skilled nursing facility and an assisted living facility?

A skilled nursing facility provides medical care and rehabilitation services for individuals with serious health conditions, while an assisted living facility offers a more residential setting for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require intensive medical care.

Who should consider a skilled nursing facility?

Individuals who need continuous medical care, physical therapy, or specialized services such as wound care or IV treatments should consider a skilled nursing facility. These facilities are best suited for patients recovering from surgery, serious illnesses, or chronic conditions.

Who is a good candidate for assisted living?

Seniors who are mostly independent but need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation are good candidates for assisted living facilities.

Do skilled nursing facilities offer long-term care?

Yes, skilled nursing facilities offer both short-term rehabilitation services and long-term care for individuals who require ongoing medical assistance or who have chronic health conditions.

Is assisted living covered by insurance or Medicare?

Assisted living is typically not covered by Medicare, but some long-term care insurance plans may provide partial coverage. Medicaid may also cover some costs depending on eligibility and state regulations.

What medical services are provided at skilled nursing facilities?

Skilled nursing facilities provide services such as 24-hour nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, IV treatments, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Assisted Living Facility

Q: How do I decide between a skilled nursing facility and an assisted living facility?

The decision depends on the level of care needed. If you or a loved one require extensive medical attention and rehabilitation, a skilled nursing facility may be the best choice. If the need is for assistance with daily tasks and a more social environment, assisted living may be more appropriate.

A male nurse looking at a photo album with an elderly woman in a skilled nursing facility

Do you have a loved one who was injured in an accident or needs assistance to recover from surgery? Maybe your loved one needs help with daily tasks or can no longer fully care for themselves. When searching for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities near you, you may not be sure which option is best for your loved one. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two facilities and the level of care.

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What Are the Key Differences Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and an Assisted Living Facility?

A skilled nursing facility in Salt Lake City is for people of all ages who are recovering from an injury or surgery or have a chronic or long-term illness and need round-the-clock medical supervision and care. The objective for those recovering from injuries or surgery is to help them recover and regain their independence so they can return home.

An assisted living facility in Salt Lake City is a facility where seniors reside in their own “apartment” and have access to social activities, medical assistance when needed, and assistance with various day-to-day activities, such as cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, bathing, and dressing. Generally, residents at an assisted living facility are fully or mostly independent but need occasional help and support.

Another key difference between the two types of facilities is care at a skilled nursing facility is provided by registered nurses (RNs) under the direct supervision of on-site doctors. At an assisted living facility, care can be provided by caregivers, medical assistants, and licensed practice nurses (LPNs).

Who Typically Needs the Services of a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Anyone recovering from extensive injuries or surgical procedures is an ideal candidate for a skilled nursing facility in Bountiful. People with chronic medical conditions that require long-term care and constant medical supervision also benefit from the services available at a skilled nursing facility.

Who Typically Needs the Services of an Assisted Living Facility?

Seniors who are still independent but require occasional help with various day-to-day tasks benefit from an assisted living facility in Bountiful. They might also be looking for a more active social life but can no longer drive. Additionally, seniors who want to downsize from their existing homes and into a residential senior setting can benefit from assisted living.

What Types of Care and Services Are Provided at an Assisted Living Facility?

Generally, the type of care at an assisted living facility is access to some type of 24-hour response system. This could be a medical alert device or on-site staff determining if the person requires medical care.

Assisted living facilities provide private “apartment” residential units with a variety of on-site amenities, such as:

A dining room with set meal times
The option to cook and prepare meals in units
Exercise and wellness facilities and programs
On-site barbers and beauticians
A library
Planned social activities, such as game nights, movie and theater outings, and shopping trips
Transportation services for doctor and dentist appointments
Worship services
Assistance with daily living, such as dressing, undressing, bathing, cooking, and cleaning

What Types of Care and Services Are Provided at a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A skilled nursing facility is similar to the care one receives for a long-term hospital stay. People have access to 24-hour medical care and supervision and care. The services provided can include some of those found in assisted living, as well as medical services that promote recovery and healing, including:

Rehabilitation services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy
Access to on-site doctors and RNs
Assistance with daily care, like dressing, bathing, and brushing teeth
Daily activities and entertainment options, such as movie nights, game nights, and outings
Concierge and valet services to help manage all aspects of daily routines
On-site barbers and beauticians
Private or shared rooms with a medical setting

What Is the Level of Medical Care Available at a Skilled Nursing Facility Versus an Assisted Living Facility?

The level of medical care available at a skilled nursing facility provides access to doctors and RNs round-the-clock. While LPNs or medical assistants may be on-site during the day at an assisted living facility, access to medical care requires transporting residents to their primary care physicians or the hospital in emergencies.

How Does the Environment and Daily Routine Differ Between the Two Types of Facilities?

The environment of an assisted living facility is more along the lines of a luxury apartment community. Residents maintain their independent living and can get assistance with tasks and chores when needed. Most residents are free to come and go from the facility without any set schedule.

They can decide what activities and events they want to participate in. If they decide to take meals in the main dining room, they will need to do so at set meal times. Otherwise, they are free to prepare meals or have meals delivered to their unit.

At a skilled nursing facility, the environment is more similar to a hospital with a medical setting. Residents can have their own room or share a room with another person. Daily routines will include various forms of rehabilitation therapies, routine medical exams, and visits by on-site doctors.

Meals may be served in-room or in a cafeteria setting. Residents can enjoy socializing and other activities throughout the day when they are done with their medical treatments.

How Can Families Decide Which Type of Facility Is the Best Fit for Their Loved Ones?

Determining whether a skilled nursing or an assisted living facility near you is the best fit for your loved one depends on their specific medical needs and ability to maintain their independence. If your loved one needs help while recovering from an injury or surgical procedure or has a chronic or long-term medical condition that makes it difficult for them to live on their own, then a skilled nursing facility is the best fit.

Conversely, the criteria for assisted living as the best fit include:

Fairly independent but needs assistance with certain daily tasks
Lonely but otherwise generally healthy
Concerned about not being able to get assistance if they fall or have an accident
Like socializing and having lots of activities to keep them busy
Needs transportation assistance
Wants the option to cook or have meals prepared for them

Find Skilled Nursing Facilities in Salt Lake City

It is easy to find skilled nursing facilities in Salt Lake City at Monument Health Group. We offer both short-term and long-term skilled nursing care for people of all ages. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to each of our residents. Our goal, when possible, is to help our residents recover and regain their independence, so they can return home.

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Sources:

Choosing the Right Long-Term Care Facility. (2021).

Van Dis, K. (2023). What Is Assisted Living?

What’s the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home?