Nursing homes are quite different when compared to Assisted Living or Memory Care. Residents who stay in Nursing homes, also known as SNF's (Skilled Nursing Facilities) are undergoing preventative, therapeutic, and/or rehabilitative nursing care.

peutic, and/or rehabilitative nursing care. Nursing homes provide residential care for those who need around the clock care that cannot be provided at home, but they do not need to be hospitalized. Nursing homes are modeled to function similarly to hospitals, yet they are still a lower level of care than hospitals.

In addition to these services, Nursing homes also provide assistance with activities of daily living and physical, speech, and/or occupational therapy.

Residents in a nursing home are oftentimes recovering from a major surgery or an acute illness or injury. These residents are considered short-term residents as they will only be staying temporarily and going home after their recovery.

Long term residents can also be found in nursing homes. These are residents who suffer from a chronic illness, terminal illness, or cognitive disorder. For long term residents the nursing home becomes their home as they require constant care and supervision.

Knowing if, and when your loved one would benefit most from a nursing home varies greatly based on the doctor's recommendation. It is possible for Assisted Living residents to progressively require more care and attention, making a transition to a nursing home the safest choice.