Senior News Line: Nursing home vs. assisted living

Nobody wants to think about it, but the day might come when we need the services of a nursing home to heal from an illness or injury. Or, we might get to the point where we start thinking about getting some help, or even moving to a place where the help is already there.

One thing is certain: It’s less stressful if we plan in advance for the day those situations might arise. The first step is to understand the differences between the two: nursing home versus assisted living.

A nursing home has 24/7 medical staff if you need constant care. You’ll get food, baths, therapy if necessary, rehabilitation, medical treatment and more.

Medicare may or may not pay for some of the services you receive in a nursing home. The same for Medicaid, depending on your financial situation.

Assisted living can be quite different, the biggest being that you live in your own home within the facility. You’ll have that private accommodation but also meals, recreational activities, visits from doctors and nurses, housekeeping and laundry services, and daily help with tasks you can’t do by yourself.

Many facilities offer both, with the option to move from assisted living to their nursing home if your health takes a downturn. A continuing care retirement community can offer the peace of mind of knowing that whatever level of care you need, it can be found in the same location.

Medicare probably won’t pay for much of the cost. And therein lies the huge concern for anyone needing to learn about nursing homes and assisted living facilities: the cost.

Do your homework and ask a lot of questions about who pays for what. Here are a few places to start.

• Look at the eldercare locator — eldercare.acl.gov/home — or call them at 800-677-1116 to find resources.

• Compare local facilities at tinyurl.com/4ayaubhb.

• Also see the government’s long-term care website at acl.gov/ltc.