It's more important than ever for families to understand the difference between assisted living and nursing homes, as the terms have been interchangeable, but there are important differences. In generations past, the only residential care option for aging adults was a nursing home, otherwise known as a skilled nursing facility. However, these facilities are typically for aging adults who have more serious or extreme medical needs that require ongoing attention. Senior Living and Assisted Living Communities are NOT Nursing Homes. Today, many aging adults don’t need the level of care associated with that of a nursing home. We're here to help breakdown the difference between a nursing home and assisted living, along with independent care and memory care. 

In recent years, a new option has emerged – the senior living community. Brightview Senior Living now has over forty communities in eight states. These communities offer home-like environments that cater to both healthy aging adults, and those that need some assistance.

A senior living community not only offers a safe and comfortable place to live, but it provides an all-encompassing lifestyle where residents can also connect and socialize with others. In addition, senior living communities may come equipped with amenities, such as a cafe, pub, theater, fitness center, library, beauty salon, community store, and much more.

As you explore and compare different senior independent and assisted living communities vs. nursing homes, you will find a number of options. Here are three common selections offered to seniors, often under the same roof:

Independent Living Vs Nursing homes

Active adults who need relief from yard work, snow shoveling, home maintenance, or house cleaning may consider an Independent Living community. These communities offer a newfound freedom of maintenance-free living combined with the added convenience of everyday amenities. They have full-service teams of associates who handle and maintain interior and exterior maintenance, on-site transportation, housekeeping, laundry service, and security. A dining plan is typically included, and apartments also have full kitchens in case you like to cook for yourself. And, if you later find that you need some assistance, you are able to access those services without having to move from the community.

Assisted Living vs nursing homes

Assisted living is designed for the senior who wants to live in a private apartment but may need a helping hand with certain daily living activities, such as taking medications, dressing, or bathing. Since each resident needs are unique, tailored assistance is offered to encourage and empower the resident to live as independently as possible. Additional services include maintenance, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and three meals a day.

Memory care vs nursing homes

Dementia care communities such as Brightview’s Wellspring Village™ provide services to those seniors with forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's Disease, or other memory impairments. These communities offer apartments specifically designed to make a resident feel like they never left home. Around-the-clock supportive services reinforce dignified living by providing a secure and safe "village" environment, and common areas encourage social interaction that foster a sense of belonging for the resident. Fun, intellectually stimulating on-site activities include Brightview’s Mind & Music program, art, cooking, gardening, exercise, and more. Many communities also extend support and hold educational programs aimed to help family members understand the impact of memory loss.