What You Need to Know:
The Differences between Assisted Living Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities

For a person who is about to leave their home of 10, 20, possibly 30 or more years, it may seem all the same – adapting to a new environment. But when an individual or an individual’s family decides that it’s time to increase the level of assistance and care that an older adult receives, be careful to pay attention to the details. With an increase in elderly living options, it’s important to know the differences.

There are two primary options for older adults who need to change their current living arrangements - Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). The level of care needed often determines which type of facility is most appropriate for that individual.

Assisted living facilities are for people needing assistance with certain aspects of daily living, but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Assisted living serves to bridge the gap between independent living and skilled nursing facilities. Residents in assisted living centers are not able to live by themselves, but do not require constant care either. Assisted living facilities offer help with activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications, yet do not offer the extensive care that individuals receive in skilled nursing facilities. The general idea is that the help is there if needed, yet independence is encouraged. Medical care at these facilities is limited. The key to understanding assisted living is that it is not an alternative to skilled nursing facilities, but an intermediate level of care.

In many instances, assisted living facilities team with outside healthcare organizations such as Celtic Healthcare to provide integrated home health and hospice services. Through Medicare and insurance-covered home healthcare services, these healthcare organizations enhance ALF residents’ health and well-being significantly by bringing their expertise in geriatric care. Together, the ALF and healthcare provider create a care plan for each individual resident upon admission or as needed. The care plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his or her condition changes.

The explanation of an assisted living facility already introduced some of the characteristics of a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, provide a living option where 24-hour medical care is available. Skilled nursing facilities are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which defines the services that a SNF must provide.

In addition to long-term care, residents may be there temporarily for rehabilitation before returning to either an assisted living facility or their independent living residence. Home healthcare services can also complement discharge plans from SNFs by providing additional nursing or rehabilitation services to a patient returning home.

According to helpguide.org, a SNF must have registered nurses who help provide 24-hour care to people who can no longer care for themselves due to physical, emotional, or mental conditions. A licensed physician supervises each patient’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises. Most nursing homes have two basic types of services: skilled medical care and custodial care. Custodial care is another term for personal care, which includes bathing, dressing and eating.

Every older adults’ need for care is unique. For more information, please visit Celtic Healthcare’s Web site at www.celtichealthcare.com or call (800) 355-8894.