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Comparing Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living: Understanding the Key Differences

Libby Hastings • April 19, 2024

When considering long-term care options for yourself or a loved one, it's essential to understand the differences between nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. While both offer supportive environments for individuals needing assistance with daily activities, they serve distinct purposes and cater to varying levels of care needs. Let's delve into the comparative aspects of these two types of facilities to help you make an informed decision.

Medical Services:


Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities primarily focus on providing assistance with daily activities while offering varying levels of medical attention. Residents may receive support such as transportation to medical appointments and assistance with medication management. Additionally, specialized care areas may be available for individuals with conditions like dementia. Assisted living facilities are not regulated by the federal government but, in Kansas, are licensed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
Nursing Home: In contrast, nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, offer round-the-clock, 24-hour medical care, typically with more staff than an assisted living facility. A nursing home setting may be appropriate for individuals who need extended post-operative care, complex medical monitoring, nursing, medical, social, and rehabilitative care. Moreover, nursing homes provide rehabilitative services such as physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy for residents in need. Nursing homes are subject to more government oversight by both the state and federal governments.


Living Space:


Assisted Living: Residents of assisted living facilities typically reside in individual or shared apartments equipped with kitchenettes, bedrooms, and living areas. Common spaces encourage social interaction and participation in communal activities, including dining areas, activity rooms, salons, and gardens or outdoor walkways . There may be accommodations for pets.
Nursing Home: Nursing homes typically provide individual or shared (semi-private) rooms with en-suite bathrooms. While the living arrangements may be more compact, residents still have access to common areas for meals and activities.


Assistance with Daily Activities:


Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer light support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, tailored to the residents' needs. Laundry, housekeeping, and meal services are also available.
Nursing Home: Residents of nursing homes often require more extensive assistance with daily activities. Staff members should assist with personal care tasks, medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping.


Recreational Activities:


Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities prioritize providing a wide range of activities to promote physical and social engagement among residents. From exercise programs to creative expression and volunteering opportunities, these facilities foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Nursing Home: While recreational activities are also offered in nursing homes, they may be more limited in scope. However, supervised exercise sessions and various enrichment activities contribute to residents' overall well-being.


Meals:


Assisted Living: Residents in assisted living facilities may have the option to cook in their own kitchenettes or dine in communal dining rooms. Meal delivery services may also be available for added convenience and may require an additional cost.
Nursing Home: In nursing homes, dieticians prepare meals for residents, considering their dietary preferences and restrictions. Residents can choose to dine in communal spaces or have meals served in their rooms.


Cost and Insurance Coverage:


In 2023, the average cost for a semi-private nursing facility room in Kansas was $7,483. For an assisted living room, the median cost was $5,850.

Nursing home care tends to be more expensive than assisted living, with costs varying based on factors like location and level of care required. Medicare may cover some expenses for nursing home care (up to 100 days) under certain conditions, whereas assisted living is typically not covered by Medicare. Because Medicaid is a joint federal and state public health insurance program administered by individual states, coverage for assisted living services varies. Medicaid is available for those who need nursing home care but can't afford it or have a restricted income. Medicaid will pay for nursing home care for persons who require that level of care and meet the program's financial eligibility requirements. A person can have no more than $2,000 of "countable" assets in Kansas to qualify for Medicaid. 


Overall, understanding the distinctions between nursing facilities and assisted living facilities is crucial for selecting the most suitable option based on individual needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing medical care, independence, social engagement, or cost, there's a long-term care solution tailored to meet diverse needs. It's advisable to explore available resources, consult with healthcare professionals and KABC, and carefully evaluate each facility's offerings before deciding. KABC is here to help! We offer free Consumer Information Reports on all licensed adult care facilities to help you make an informed decision.

Advocacy with KABC 101: Your Guide to Making an Impact

By Libby Hastings • February 10, 2025
The Kansas legislative session is in full swing, making it the perfect time to engage with your lawmakers and advocate for policies that improve long-term care in our state. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, knowing how to effectively communicate with legislators is key to making a difference. We believe that every voice matters, and lawmakers want to hear from the people they represent. To find your legislator, visit the Kansas legislative website. When you visit www.kslegislature.org , there is an option on the left side of the website to “Find Your Legislator”. You may search by name, chamber, party, or select “Seach by Your Address”. This will lead you to Plural , a platform to find bill information and your local legislators by typing in your home address. Tips for Effective Advocacy Be Friendly – Legislators are people too! Approach them with sincerity and honesty. While time may be limited, be sure to focus on the issue you're there to champion. Be Prepared – This is your chance to educate. Start with a clear, concise explanation of the issue, and provide only factual information. Be Respectful – Not everyone will agree with your position. Some lawmakers may have concerns about costs, feasibility, or other factors. Treat them with respect, as they may be allies on future issues. Be Direct – Answer questions openly and honestly. Share the full picture, including both the challenges and the solutions. Ask for a Specific Action – Make it clear what you want your legislator to do. Common advocacy actions include: Sponsoring a bill Urging committee leadership to take action on a bill Speaking for or against a bill during debate Holding a public event to raise awareness Writing a letter to state agencies about oversight and implementation of a law Establish a Relationship – Don't just reach out when you need something. Contact your legislators regularly, thank them when they support your issues, and stay engaged. Building a relationship increases the likelihood they will listen when you advocate for change. Say Thanks – Gratitude goes a long way! Always follow up with a thank-you note or email after a meeting, even if the legislator disagrees with your position. Advocacy is about persistence, education, and relationship-building. By using these strategies, you can help ensure that long-term care remains a priority for Kansas lawmakers. Want to learn more? Check out KABC’s full Advocacy 101 guide here .

Advocacy in Action (February 2025): KABC Testifies Before House Social Services Budget Committee

By Libby Hastings • January 29, 2025
On Thursday, January 30th, Dan Goodman, Executive Director, presented testimony before the House Social Services Budget Committee. His remarks focused on essential recommendations for the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services (KDADS) budget, underscoring the urgent need for a Statewide Resource Guide for Older Kansans. Dan’s testimony emphasized Kansas’s rapidly aging population, with projections showing that more than 20% of Kansans will be 65 or older by 2030. With state resources already stretched thin, KABC urged the committee to prioritize investments in solutions that diversify and enhance access to long-term care services across Kansas. Highlighting the Statewide Resource Guide KABC’s flagship recommendation was a comprehensive Statewide Resource Guide for Older Kansans, modeled after the highly successful Douglas County Senior Resource Directory. The proposal seeks $190,000 to develop and distribute a directory that would serve as an essential tool for older Kansans and their families. The funding would cover: Initial Setup & Information Coordination: $85,000 One-Time Master Printing for Statewide Distribution (35,000 copies): $105,000 The guide would provide accurate, accessible, and up-to-date information on long-term care services and resources, with an online version that could be printed on demand. This initiative aligns with the Senior Care Legislative Task Force’s final recommendations and would empower Kansans to make informed decisions about care options. Dan emphasized the proven success of the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory, which KABC developed with grant funding through the Douglas County Community Foundation. Since its launch, the directory has been accessed online by over 700 individuals and distributed to hundreds of older adults, caregivers, and local businesses. Expanding this model statewide would ensure that every Kansan—regardless of where they live—has access to vital information when they need it most. Other Budget Priorities KABC Supports KABC also backed several of KDADS Governor’s budget recommendations, including funding increases for: HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver Growth HCBS Brain Injury Waiver Growth Nutrition Services Incentive Program Stay tuned for updates as we continue to advocate for these critical investments during the legislative session!
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