If you or a family member are struggling to live independently, it might be time to transition to a senior living community. Understanding the difference between assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities (also known as nursing homes) is crucial for making the right choice for your family's needs.

While these senior care options are often confused, they serve distinct purposes. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide support for daily activities in a residential setting, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) deliver comprehensive medical care in a clinical environment. This guide will help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision about senior care in the Concord, NH area.

Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions between these senior care options.

Contents

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a long-term housing choice designed for older adults who don’t require intensive medical support, but who still need extra assistance. At a Concord NH assisted living community, the staff is available to help with self-care tasks like eating and bathing. However, residents are encouraged to live as independently as possible.

Assisted living communities also promote social engagement by hosting events, outings and other opportunities to socialize with friends. Residents are free to set their own schedules, picking and choosing which activities to participate in.

What Care Is Offered in Assisted Living?

At assisted living communities, staff help residents with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs are fundamental to maintaining a healthy and productive life and include self-care tasks such as:

Staff also provide assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs. These activities are less imperative but important nonetheless. Examples include:

What Services Are Provided in Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities offer a robust lineup of amenities and services that focus on holistic aspects of senior wellness like physical and mental health, spirituality, and social connection. Most communities offer:

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

Since assisted living residents require less intensive medical support than those in a skilled nursing community, this senior living option is generally more affordable. Whereas a Concord, New Hampshire nursing home costs $8,000 per month, an assisted living community costs a little over $5,500. At an assisted living community, this monthly fee includes expenses such as:

Your monthly bill will be affected by the room you select. As a general rule, larger spaces cost more. If your community offers either shared or individual bathrooms, for instance, the layout with a private bath will be more expensive.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

Medicare typically doesn’t pay for assisted living. However, some long-term care policies do offer limited coverage.

Floor Plans at Assisted Living Communities

Many older adults fear that transitioning to senior care will compromise their independence and privacy. However, life in an assisted living community is very similar to an apartment or condo—except that assistance is just a call button away.

Assisted living communities offer a warm, residential atmosphere. These communities provide apartment-style residences, which may be private or semi-private. Each living space typically consists of a bedroom with a private bath and residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture to create a space that truly feels like home.

Advantages of Assisted Living Communities

Do you find it hard to keep up with household tasks? Do you need some help taking a shower and getting dressed in the morning? If so, assisted living communities provide an affordable alternative to aging in place. Advantages of transitioning to an assisted living community include:

Who Can Benefit From Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who want to maintain their independence but are struggling to do so at home. Assisted living could be a viable option for someone who:

What Is Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) —also called nursing homes—provide all the services of an assisted living community, plus 24/7 medical care. Many older adults come to skilled nursing communities after a significant health event like a stroke or heart attack. They are too well to stay in a hospital but still need around-the-clock care to remain stable.

Nursing homes require a much higher level of staffing than assisted living communities. At a certified skilled nursing community, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are on duty at all times and a registered nurse (RN) is on duty at least eight hours every day.

What Care Is Offered in Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing care can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term stays are generally arranged for post-acute care, typically following hospitalization, injury, or surgery. Because of this, care is focused on rehabilitation with the goal of returning home.

However, for the majority of skilled nursing residents, the community is their permanent home. Long-term residents receive assistance with ADLs and IADLs, generally at a greater level than what is required by assisted living residents. They also receive complex medical care and supervision.

What Services Are Provided in Skilled Nursing?

Though skilled nursing residents still benefit from certain amenities like chef-prepared meals, staff efforts are more so focused on medical care. As such, most skilled nursing communities provide services such as:

How Much Does Skilled Nursing Cost?

Since skilled nursing residents require a higher level of support, it’s generally the most expensive form of senior care available. In Concord, New Hampshire, a nursing home costs approximately $8,000 per month. This cost includes expenses associated with your care as well as rent, food, utilities, and more.

How much you can expect to pay each month depends on the community. However, it also depends on whether you choose a private or semi-private room. Typically, private rooms cost about $1,100 more than semi-private rooms.

Does Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing?

Unlike assisted living, skilled nursing care may be covered by:

In the case of short-term rehabilitation, residents can expect full Medicare coverage for 60 days if they enter the facility after a qualifying hospital stay. After two months, the resident will be charged a daily coinsurance.

Floor Plans at Skilled Nursing Communities

Living in a skilled nursing community or nursing home can be compared to a long-term hospital stay. Residents may have a private or semi-private residence, though most rooms are semi-private.

Residents receive their meals in a communal dining area unless they are too ill to do so. Communities also offer a published calendar of daily programming for residents to enjoy. However, activities are brought to the rooms of residents who aren’t physically capable of attending group events.

Advantages of Skilled Nursing Communities

If your health is declining or you recently experienced a life-changing event such as a heart attack or stroke, a skilled nursing community can provide the 24/7 medical support you need. Advantages of transitioning to a skilled nursing community include:

Who Can Benefit From Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing communities are designed for older adults who need more intensive medical support than assisted living staff can provide. Skilled nursing could be a viable option for someone who:

How to Choose Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

Consider these factors when making your decision:

Medical Needs

Level of Independence

Budget and Payment Options

The CCRC Advantage: Getting the Best of Both Worlds of Assisted Living & Nursing Home Care

When older adults transition to assisted living, many worry that their current community will be unable to meet their changing needs. Fortunately, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide a continuum of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services—so that you receive appropriate support, no matter what.

In a CCRC, each level of care is designed for individuals in different seasons of life.

Independent living is for active, healthy adults who want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while memory care is designed for residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments.

When you choose a CCRC, you gain a sense of security in knowing that you will never have to leave. If and when your health changes, your community will help you seamlessly transition to a higher level of support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

What's the main difference between assisted living and skilled nursing facilities?

The main difference lies in the level of medical care provided. Assisted living facilities offer support with daily activities like bathing and medication management in a residential setting, while skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation services in a clinical environment. In Concord, NH, skilled nursing facilities must have licensed nurses on duty at all times, while assisted living focuses more on lifestyle support with medical care as needed.

How do I know if my loved one needs assisted living or skilled nursing?

Consider your loved one's medical needs and independence level. Assisted living is appropriate if they need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals) but don't require constant medical attention. Skilled nursing is necessary if they need 24/7 medical supervision, are recovering from a major surgery or illness, or require regular professional nursing care. A healthcare provider or our care advisors can help assess which level is most appropriate.

What are the cost differences between assisted living and skilled nursing in New Hampshire?

In Concord, NH, assisted living typically costs around $5,500 per month, while skilled nursing facilities cost approximately $8,000 per month. The difference reflects the higher level of medical care and staffing required in skilled nursing. Medicare may cover skilled nursing under certain conditions, while assisted living is typically paid for privately or through long-term care insurance.

Can residents move between assisted living and skilled nursing if their needs change?

Yes, especially in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Havenwood Heritage Heights. CCRCs offer multiple levels of care within one community, allowing residents to transition seamlessly between assisted living and skilled nursing as their healthcare needs change, without having to move to a different community.

What level of medical care is available in assisted living versus skilled nursing?

Assisted living provides basic medical support including medication management and coordination with healthcare providers. Skilled nursing offers comprehensive medical care including 24/7 nursing, rehabilitation services, wound care, IV therapy, and post-surgical care. Skilled nursing facilities must have licensed practical nurses (LPNs) on duty at all times and a registered nurse (RN) for at least 8 hours daily.

How do the living arrangements differ between assisted living and skilled nursing facilities?

Assisted living offers more residential-style apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, allowing residents to maintain independence. Skilled nursing facilities are more clinical, typically offering private or semi-private rooms with medical equipment readily available. Both provide communal dining and activity spaces, but assisted living environments tend to feel more like home.

What's the admission process for each type of senior care facility?

Assisted living admission typically requires an assessment of daily living needs and cognitive function. Skilled nursing admission usually requires a doctor's order and often follows a hospital stay or significant health event. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, our care team can help evaluate which level of care is most appropriate and guide you through the admission process.

What role do family members play in each type of senior care setting?

In both senior care settings, family members are encouraged to be involved in care planning and decision-making. In assisted living, families often help with social support and occasional transportation. In skilled nursing, families work closely with the medical team on treatment plans and rehabilitation goals. Both settings welcome family visits and involvement in activities.

Find Peace of Mind at Havenwood Heritage Heights

As one of just three New Hampshire CCRCs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Havenwood Heritage Heights provides Concord, NH seniors with a continuum of high-quality care. Our residents rest easy knowing they will always receive the support they deserve, no matter what happens in the future.

To learn more about joining our beautiful New Hampshire senior living community, please contact our team today!