What Is the Difference between a Retirement Home & a Nursing Home?

Before deciding whether or not it’s time to move into a senior living community, it’s important to understand whether a nursing home in Welland or a senior living retirement home is the best solution. These terms are often interchanged, but they are actually two vastly different senior living options with different levels of care and independence. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between a retirement home and a nursing home.

What Is a Senior Living Retirement Home?

Senior living retirement homes are sometimes referred to as assisted living facilities or old age homes. These are somewhat antiquated terms with negative connotations.

In reality, a senior living retirement residence is similar to apartment or condo living with the added security of care and support services for seniors. Residents have the freedom to come and go as they please, eat whatever they want, and engage in activities at their leisure.

Independence is the goal with these communities as seniors enjoy the daily pleasures of retirement life without the hardship of home ownership.

What Are Nursing Homes?

A nursing home, or long-term care home, is a residence facility for those with serious health conditions who cannot live on their own. These residences are structured to support individuals with mobility issues and mental health conditions such as dementia.

Staff at nursing homes are certified to give medical care, provide daily personal care, and administer medication. The nursing home provides sources of entertainment, transportation to special events, and meals.

Differences between Retirement Homes and Nursing Homes:

Factors	Retirement Homes	Nursing Homes
Types of Home	Independent living with limited support Assisted living with support with daily tasks and personal care	Full support services for medical and personal care Short-term stays while recovering from surgery and treatment
Level of Care Provided	Care services 24/7 nursing support	Around-the-clock care Medical services Personal care services Rehabilitative care
Services and Amenities Provided	Full-service dining rooms On-site personal grooming Housekeeping Parking/transportation Recreational facilities Entertainment Security	Dining facilities with assisted eating care Housekeeping Transportation Limited recreation and entertainment sources Security
Types of Residents Who Can Benefit	Any senior meeting the residence age limit who can live independently	Anyone of any age who requires around the clock medical or personal care
Duration of Stay	Unless health declines to the point of requiring constant medical care, residents can stay for as long as they’d like	Unless one is recovering from surgery, care is until the end of life
Costs	Range from $1,500 to $6,000 per month Privately-owned	Medical and nursing costs are partially covered by the provincial government Resident is responsible for room and board Government subsidy is available

Choose the Best Community Type for Your Loved Ones

When you or your loved one are ready, contact our friendly team at The Grand Canal Retirement Residence. We will be happy to book a guided tour of our community and provide you with all of the information you need for a seamless move.

At The Grand Canal, our goal is to provide a safe and secured home filled with fun and adventure! Come see why we are truly your home

away from home!