It can be challenging when a family member or friend needs daily support around the clock with their activities of daily living. When they can no longer live independently, it may seem daunting to navigate the next steps. Many might not know the difference between personal care vs. skilled nursing, or which one would be right for their loved ones. This guide should give you the necessary information to begin seeking assistance.
Personal Care vs. Skilled Nursing
What is Personal Care?
Personal Care is a type of residential senior living accommodation for those who cannot live safely on their own any longer. Residents pay a daily or monthly rate for meals, housekeeping, and assistance with their activities of daily living, such as:
- Personal grooming
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
Additionally, personal care communities offer life enrichment experiences to engage residents socially.
Personal care can be thought of as a middle ground between living independently and needing the acute nursing care of a skilled nursing community.
Click here to learn more about personal care at Barclay Friends.
What is Skilled Nursing?
Like personal care, long-term skilled nursing a type of senior living residence for those who need help with their activities of daily living. Skilled nursing facilities are staffed by trained medical professionals who can help residents with more advanced medical illnesses. At Barclay Friends, there is a registered nurse on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. Skilled nursing communities offer additional services like:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Click here to learn more about skilled nursing at Barclay Friends.
A Note About Long-term Skilled Nursing Care vs. Short-tern Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing
Many use the terms long-term care and skilled nursing interchangeably, however there is a difference. Long-term skilled nursing care refers to a type of senior living residence where a person makes the community their permanent home. Skilled nursing typically refers to short-term rehabilitation, where someone may stay temporarily to receive nursing and rehabilitation services after a surgery. Barclay Friends offers long-term skilled nursing care.
Differences Between Personal Care vs. Skilled Nursing
Level of Care Offered
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residents who live in personal care or assisted living communities must be able to walk on their own (they may use a walker or a cane). Residents must also be able to get out of bed or a chair either on their own or with the help of only one staff member.
For people who need two people to help them stand up (commonly referred to as a two-person assist), or for those who cannot walk on their own without the help of a staff person, skilled nursing would be the appropriate level of care.
Payor differences
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the expenses of personal care in Pennsylvania. As such, residents in personal care pay privately for their daily or monthly rate. Most personal care and assisted living communities review prospective residents’ finances to ensure that they would be able to live comfortably in the community.
For skilled nursing, residents can use Medicare and Medicaid to help pay for the daily rate. Because Medicare and Medicaid can pay different amounts depending on the services needed, it is often best to schedule a consultation with the admissions person of a community to learn more.
Additionally, for those who have a long-term care insurance policy, they can utilize their policies to help cover the expenses at both personal care and skilled nursing communities.
A Note About Memory Care
Both personal care and skilled nursing communities can help people who have cognitive impairment from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (a specific type of dementia). Some memory care settings are secured with locked entrances to help protect residents who may wander. Ask the admissions person at the community how they help people who have dementia or cognitive impairment.
Click here to learn more about memory care at Barclay Friends.
Helping Older Adults Enjoy Life to the Fullest
Both skilled nursing and personal care homes play vital roles in supporting older adults, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need at different stages of their lives. While skilled nursing offers more intensive medical care, personal care homes focus on providing assistance with activities of daily living and helping people remain independent. Together, these care options provide older adults with the resources they need to live with dignity, security, and compassion, while allowing families the peace of mind to know that their loved ones are getting the care they need.
Find the Right Care
Schedule a consultation today with the admissions team at Barclay Friends.