What are Long-Term Care Facilities?

As you or your loved one grow older and become unable to take care of yourself, you may require some type of long-term care. However, the level of care you need depends on your health and abilities. That’s why we have different types of long-term care facilities. In general, these facilities can be separated into three categories: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home-based care.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are residential facilities that provide round-the-clock medical care as well as assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, transferring, and toileting. In some cases, nursing homes also provide rehabilitative services to individuals who are recovering from an injury, illness, or another adverse health event. Since they provide the highest level of care to residents, nursing homes are the most expensive type of long-term care facility. In fact, the bill can run upwards of $8,000 to $9,000 per month.*

Nursing homes are most common for seniors who require hands-on care and support at all times.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are residential facilities that provide long-term care and assistance with certain daily activities. Despite requiring some care, residents still retain a level of independence. As such, the cost of an assisted living facility is much less than a nursing home with an average monthly bill of around $4,500.*

Assisted living facilities are most common for seniors who can no longer live safely on their own but desire to maintain some independence.

Read More: What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

Home-Based Care

Home-based care provides assistance with daily activities for a certain number of hours per week. This type of care allows individuals to stay at home longer and can be customized to provide the level of care needed. In some cases, this type of care may be used to supplement a family caregiver or for a semi-independent senior who only needs help a few hours per week. The cost of home-based care varies based on the level and amount of care provided, but it can run about $4,500 per month on average.*

Home-based care is most common for individuals whose caregiver needs extra support or for semi-independent seniors who require a small amount of assistance.

*Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey