Advanced-Care Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing: What’s the Difference?

When a loved one starts needing more help than standard assisted living can provide, it’s natural to wonder if it’s time for a skilled nursing facility. But did you know that some assisted living communities offer “advanced-care” services that support higher levels of need without losing the residential, social feel that families appreciate?

If you’re weighing your options, this guide will help you understand where the line is drawn between advanced-care assisted living and skilled nursing, and how to determine what’s right for your loved one.

What Is Advanced-Care Assisted Living?

Not all assisted living communities are created equal. While many are designed for seniors who need only light support, others can care for residents who require full or maximum assistance with everyday activities.

This level of care is often called advanced-care assisted living. It’s ideal for individuals who:

• Need help with bathing, dressing, and using the restroom
• Require hands-on support during meals
• Use mobility aids or need help transferring from bed to chair

What makes advanced-care assisted living unique is that it provides a higher level of care in a home-like, social environment with group dining, shared activities, and private rooms or apartments. ¹

At The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane, the third floor is specifically designed to support residents with maximum physical assistance needs, while still offering opportunities for connection and engagement.

What Is Skilled Nursing (or Long-Term Care)?

Skilled nursing communities, also known as long-term care facilities or nursing homes, are licensed medical settings that offer 24/7 nursing supervision. They are typically the best option when someone has:

• A complex medical condition
• An implanted medical device (such as a feeding tube or tracheostomy)
• Wounds that need daily care
• A recent hospital stay requiring rehabilitation

Unlike assisted living, skilled nursing is considered a medical level of care. This means more clinical oversight, including licensed nurses on staff around the clock ².

Differentiating Between Advanced-Care Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing

In many ways, the difference between these two levels of care isn’t always clear-cut. Some assisted living communities, like Tuckerman Terraces, can manage very high levels of need. In fact, the only real factors that may require a move to skilled nursing are:

• The presence of medical devices that demand constant monitoring
• Nursing interventions that must be performed regularly by licensed staff
• Eligibility for Medicaid, which typically cannot be used to pay for assisted living in Maryland ³

Even when these conditions are present, families sometimes choose to bring in a private-duty nurse or caregiver to help their loved one stay in an assisted living setting longer. This solution can work well for those paying privately and wanting to maintain a more independent lifestyle.

Why Advanced-Care Assisted Living Can Be a Great Fit

Advanced-care assisted living is a great option for seniors who:

• Need full physical support but want to avoid a clinical environment
• Thrive in social, structured settings
• Don’t require ongoing medical treatment or monitoring

Our community offers families the peace of mind that their loved one is safe and supported, while still enjoying as much independence and dignity as possible. ⁴

Choosing Between Skilled Nursing or Advanced-Care Assisted Living

If your loved one is becoming more dependent, the decision between assisted living and skilled nursing depends on several factors such as medical needs, social preferences, and payment.

You don’t have to navigate these choices by yourself. Our team is here to guide you through your options and help you make a decision that supports your loved one’s health, happiness, and quality of life.

Contact us today to explore how advanced-care assisted living at The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane can support your loved one’s evolving needs without giving up comfort, connection, or quality of life.