What Is the Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living?

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Your mother needs help with household chores and taking a shower. Is assisted living or skilled nursing the right choice for her? What if respiratory disease has made it difficult for your spouse to function? Skilled nursing or assisted living? Before you can understand the level of care your loved one needs, you need to know what is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living

These terms are used interchangeably a lot, but they represent two distinct levels of care. We’ll define the differences and tackle some common questions about skilled nursing and assisted living. 

Deciding between skilled nursing and assisted living is a significant step. At Brook Stone Living Center, we understand the importance of this decision and are here to guide you through the process. Our commitment to providing personalized care ensures that each resident receives the support and attention they need. This could mean skilled nursing or assisted living. Ready to get started? Take the next step by contacting us.

What’s the Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living?

The difference between these two centers around the level of care. Assisted living focuses on helping residents who need some extra assistance with tasks of daily living. These tasks include bathing or dressing. However, those in skilled nursing need additional help to monitor medical conditions 24/7.

What Is Skilled Nursing?

These places, like our skilled nursing community in Pollocksville, provide high-level medical care by licensed professionals. This includes nurses, therapists, CNAs, and doctors. Skilled nursing is also ideal for those who have had surgery—such as a hip replacement—and need extensive physical therapy and help before being sent home. 

Skilled nursing care in Pollocksville includes:

What Kind of Patient Does a Skilled Nursing Community Serve?

Those who benefit from skilled nursing include those who require medical care post-surgery during illness recovery. It’s also ideal for those managing chronic medical conditions. This includes those needing rehabilitation, specialized therapy, or ongoing nursing care.

What Do Skilled Nursing Facilities Do?

When wondering ‘what is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?’, remember that skilled nursing facilities provide much more than comprehensive care. They assist with tasks of daily living, manage medical treatment, and offer rehabilitation services. This ensures the overall well-being of patients with significant medical needs.

An Empty Medication Bottle

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities in Pollocksville are ideal for those who need help with tasks of daily living but do not need the extensive medical care provided in skilled nursing. In assisted living, the goal is to allow our residents to live as independently as is safely possible. 

One of the advantages of assisted living at Brook Stone is that if a resident starts in assisted living but develops a need for more intense medical intervention, they can be easily transferred to our skilled nursing division. This means they do not have to go to another community. 

When Is Each Level of Care Appropriate?

When discussing what is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living, it’s important to understand which one is appropriate to meet the needs of those you love. We’ve outlined a few examples:

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing is appropriate for:
Those recovering from an injury
Those whose conditions require constant monitoring
Those who have had a joint replacement or other major surgery
Those recovering from an accident

Assisted Living

Assisted living is suitable for those who:

Desire a community environment
Need easy access to care
Are unable to live by themselves
Are independent but need assistance
Need help with dressing, bathing, or eating

Whether Your Loved One Needs Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living, Brook Stone’s Services Are Here to Help

At Brook Stone Living Center, we seamlessly blend the comfort of assisted living with the comprehensive care of skilled nursing. This dual approach ensures that no matter what level of care you or your loved one requires, we have the community and expertise to provide it. We invite you to learn more about how our assisted living and skilled nursing services work in tandem to offer a continuum of care. 

Take the next step and contact us to arrange a time when you can visit our skilled nursing community in Pollocksville, meet our staff, and get a feel for the welcoming, nurturing environment we create. Reach out to us for guidance and advice tailored to your specific situation. We’re dedicated to helping you make the best decision for you or your loved one.