Assisted Living vs Skilled Nursing: What You Need to Know This National Assisted Living Week

National Assisted Living Week (September 8– 13) is the perfect time to explore the differences between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care. Choosing the right care option for you or your loved one is a critical decision, often complicated by overlapping terminology and care levels.

At Brickyard Healthcare, operating over 20 skilled nursing centers across Indiana, including specialized in-house dialysis services at Elkhart and Willow Springs, we aim to provide clarity to families seeking the best care path. Whether you’re searching for assisted living or skilled nursing, understanding these options helps make the transition smoother and more informed.

The Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

Assisted living communities cater to seniors who value independence but need help with daily activities such as medication reminders, bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. These settings typically offer apartment-style living combined with social opportunities and wellness programs, emphasizing quality of life and autonomy.

In contrast, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide around-the-clock nursing care and medical supervision for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic diseases, or requiring complex treatments and rehabilitation. Skilled nursing is designed to meet higher medical needs with licensed healthcare professionals on-site 24/7.

Levels and Types of Care Provided

Assisted living offers personal care and support with daily living tasks, but medical care is limited and generally not continuous.

Skilled nursing centers provide:

• 24-hour nursing care by registered nurses and certified nursing assistants
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
• Medical management of complex conditions, medications, and treatments
• Post-hospitalization rehabilitation aimed at recovery and restoring independence

At Brickyard Healthcare, our centers specialize in delivering individualized skilled nursing care that supports both short-term recovery and long-term health management.

Living Arrangements and Amenities

Assisted living accommodation usually consists of private or shared apartments or rooms designed for comfort and independence. Amenities often include communal dining, housekeeping, transportation, and organized social and recreational activities.

Skilled nursing facilities focus more on safety and medical care, with private or semi-private rooms outfitted for clinical needs. While the environment is more clinical, staff work to foster community through therapy spaces and common areas.

Your choice may balance clinical requirements with lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

Admission to assisted living typically requires seniors to remain fairly independent. They must be able to safely perform basic daily tasks with some assistance. Cognitive status, mobility, and medication management ability are assessed to confirm eligibility.

Skilled nursing admissions are generally based on medical necessity, often following hospitalization or worsening health status requiring intensive nursing care or rehabilitation. A doctor’s order is typically required, especially for insurance coverage through Medicare or Medicaid.

Brickyard Healthcare’s admissions team helps families understand these criteria and find appropriate placement.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Care

Assisted living is primarily a long-term housing solution designed to support seniors throughout their later years.

Skilled nursing is versatile, addressing both:

• Short-term rehabilitative stays, typically following hospital discharge to regain strength or recover from injury or surgery
• Long-term care for those with chronic or progressive conditions needing continuous skilled medical and personal care

Our facilities accommodate a spectrum of patient needs, offering tailored care plans during every stage.

Cost and Payment Options

Cost is a significant factor in care decisions.

• Assisted living averages $3,000 to $6,000 per month nationwide, depending on services and location. Prices cover housing, meals, assistance, and some health monitoring.
• Skilled nursing care is more costly, often $7,000 or more monthly, reflecting the expense of medical staffing and advanced therapies.

Payment methods may include:

• Medicare: generally covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing following hospitalization but not assisted living
• Medicaid: assists with long-term care costs; coverage varies by state and program
• Private insurance and long-term care insurance
• Out-of-pocket funds and family support

Brickyard Healthcare supports families through financial counseling to clarify options and eligibility.

Staffing and Regulations

Assisted living staff typically consist of personal care aides, medication managers, and licensed practical nurses, with less stringent staffing ratios and regulatory oversight, compared to skilled nursing.

Skilled nursing facilities operate under rigorous state and federal regulations, requiring licensed nurses around the clock and strict supervision of care plans. Staff at Brickyard Healthcare centers include registered nurses, therapists, and certified nursing assistants trained to provide expert medical care safely.

Decision-Making and Transition Guidance

Making the call between assisted living and skilled nursing involves:

• Evaluating medical and personal care needs with healthcare professionals
• Considering quality of life preferences, social activities, and independence
• Touring facilities to get a feel for the environment and services available
• Financial planning, checking insurance, and benefits coverage
• Preparing for possible transitions as care needs evolve

Our team at Brickyard Healthcare offers compassionate guidance through each step, ensuring smooth, informed transitions.

Quality of Life Considerations

Quality of life varies but is central to both care settings:

• Assisted living promotes active, social lifestyles with support that encourages independence
• Skilled nursing focuses on safety, health stabilization, rehabilitation, and comfort

Both seek to offer dignity and respect, adapting to individual needs and preferences.

Specialized Care: In-House Dialysis at Brickyard

A unique highlight of Brickyard Healthcare’s offerings is in-house dialysis at our Elkhart and Willow Springs centers. This service benefits residents with kidney disease by eliminating the strain of external dialysis appointments, providing convenient, coordinated care in a comfortable environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a resident move from assisted living to skilled nursing if their health worsens?

Yes, care levels can change with evolving needs, and facilities like Brickyard Healthcare support seamless transitions.

Does Medicare cover assisted living costs?

Medicare typically does not cover assisted living but covers skilled nursing care for a limited time post-hospitalization.

How do I decide which care option is right?

Consult medical professionals, evaluate daily living needs, and tour facilities to make the best choice.

Are family visits allowed in skilled nursing facilities?

Yes, visitation policies exist and prioritize resident safety, especially during health alerts.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the distinctions between assisted living and skilled nursing empowers families to choose the right care with confidence. Brickyard Healthcare is proud to provide expert skilled nursing, including advanced therapies and specialized services such as in-house dialysis, across Indiana.

During National Assisted Living Week and beyond, we invite you to explore your options, ask questions, and reach out to our team for personalized support.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Brickyard Healthcare.