For some of my older clients or clients providing care to older family members, there comes a time when consideration must be given to moving out of their home. Sometimes, the need for the level of care only offered at a nursing home makes decisions straightforward; however, if nursing home care is not yet necessary, what other options are available? Moving to an assisted living community is one popular option. Because my clients frequently have numerous questions about this option, I thought I would share some information about assisted living in North Carolina.
How Are Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care Similar?
Most people have some idea what the difference is between a nursing home and an assisted living community; however, that knowledge is often limited to the idea that a nursing home involves a higher level of care than an assisted living community. If you or a family member are considering a move to one or the other, it helps to have a clear picture of what is offered at both a nursing home and an assisted living community.
Both a nursing home and an assisted living community aim to keep residents safe and healthy. In some respects, nursing homes and assisted living communities are very similar, such as:
- Support services. Both options offer residents assistance with “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).” ADLs include things such as bathing, dressing and personal care. Both also help with service such as housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
- Medication management. For many older individuals, managing the numerous medications they need to take on a daily basis can be cumbersome. An error, however, can be dangerous. Both nursing homes and assisted living communities help with medication management.
- Safety. Seniors often feel vulnerable if not downright unsafe in their own homes. Both nursing homes and assisted living communities are designed with the residents’ safety in mind. Accommodations such as handrails, emergency call buttons, and grab bars help with physical safety. Living in a community or facility full of seniors also provides a sense of security in numbers for older people.
- Social interaction. While the social activities offered can vary widely, both options do provide seniors with the opportunity to socialize with other seniors, decreasing some health risks that accompany feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Diet and nutrition. Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals is crucial for seniors. Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities focus on providing meals geared toward the nutritional needs of older individuals.
How Are Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Different?
Typically, the primary difference between assisted living and nursing home care is the level of care needed by residents and provided by the facility. Nursing home residents usually require around the clock skilled medical care whereas residents at an assisted living community may only need assistance with medication management and/or easy access to a medical professional in an emergency.
An assisted living community is usually set up to provide residents with maximum independence and freedom of movement while also offering crucial support services. Residents often live in their own apartment or suite with a private bathroom, living room, and at least a rudimentary kitchen.
By contrast, a nursing home typically resembles a hospital with individual private or semi-private rooms for residents but a communal kitchen and living room area.
The other important difference between nursing home and assisted living care is the cost of that care. In 2022, the average monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home was twice that of assisted living at about $9,000 and $4,500 respectively.
Will Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Most seniors rely on Medicare to cover healthcare expenses during their retirement years. Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for assisted living nor for nursing home care. Medicaid, however, will pay for nursing home care if you qualify for benefits. North Carolina also has a Special Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to older adults living in a specialized community residential center or an adult care home. Along with qualifying for the program, you must be living in a residential facility licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. Both Medicaid and the Special Assistance Program have income limits that apply. As of 2023, the gross income limit for the general assisted living resident is $1,355 and for memory care the income limit is $1,737.
Do You Have Additional Questions about Assisted Living in North Carolina?
If you have additional questions about assisted living communities, nursing home care, or other Medicaid planning, contact a Chapel Hill Medicaid planning attorney at Clarity Legal Group by calling us at 919-484-0012 or contact us online.
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