HJNO May/Jun 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAY / JUN 2025 51 Melissa Brunvoll Marketing Director Assisted Living and Nursing Care Lambeth House medical services provided. However, costs can increase significantly as residents re- quire more advanced levels of care. Pa- tients should be aware of tiered pricing structures that might seem appealing and cost-effective upfront, whereas in real- ity, prices may rise drastically as patients needs increase over time. Guidance for families in selecting the appropriate level of care To ensure patients receive care that aligns with their medical and functional needs, healthcare professionals should en- courage families to: • Assess care needs: Conduct a thor- ough evaluation of the individual’s medical conditions, cognitive func- tion, and ability to perform activities of daily living to determine the most appropriate care setting. • Research facility capabilities: Inves- tigate the staffing structure, resident- to-staff ratios, available medical services, and compliance with regu- latory standards. • Conduct on-site evaluations: Encour- age families to tour prospective facili- ties, observe staff-resident interac- tions, and assess the overall quality of care and safety protocols. • Review care transition policies: Ex- amine policies related to the transi- tion of residents to higher levels of care and ensure clear guidelines are in place for when skilled nursing ser- vices become necessary. Emerging concerns in assisted living: retaining residents beyond appropriate care levels A growing concern within the health- care industry is the retention of residents in assisted living facilities beyond the facil- ity’s capacity to provide safe and adequate care. This practice, often driven by finan- cial incentives, poses substantial risks to individuals whose medical needs surpass the expertise and regulatory scope of the facility. Unlike nursing homes, assisted liv- ing communities frequently lack the nec- essary medical staffing, training, and over- sight to effectively manage complex health conditions. Conclusion The distinction between assisted living and nursing home care is crucial in en- suring that individuals receive appropri- ate, high-quality support based on their health needs. By understanding these dif- ferences and remaining vigilant about the capabilities and limitations of each setting, healthcare professionals can play a pivotal role in guiding families toward informed, evidence-based, long-term care decisions that prioritize patient safety, dignity, and well-being. n REFERENCES Robinson-Walker, D. “Assisted Living vs. Nurs- ing Homes: What’s The Difference?” Forbes, last updated May 16, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/ health/senior-living/assisted-living-vs-nursing- homes Stanborough, R.J. “Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: How to Choose the Right Level of Care.” Healthline, Jan. 5, 2021. https://www.healthline . com/health/assisted-living-vs-nursing-home Harrington, C.; Wiener, J.M.; Ross, L.; Musumeci, M.B. “Key Issues in Long-Term Services and Sup- ports Quality.” Kaiser Family Foundation, Oct. 27, 2017. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/ key-issues-in-long-term-services-and-supports- quality Sy, P. “Understanding the Differences Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living.” U.S. News & World Report, March 13, 2025. https://health.us - news.com/best-nursing-homes/articles/nursing- home-vs-assisted-living sion. These facilities are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including regis- tered nurses, physical therapists, and phy- sicians, to provide intensive medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with all activities of daily living. The environ- ment is structured to prioritize medical treatment and ongoing monitoring to en- sure patient safety and well-being. Key differences between assisted living and nursing homes Level of medical care: Assisted living facilities provide assistance with routine activities and basic health monitoring, whereas nursing homes offer continuous skilled medical care for individuals with significant health conditions. Independence and environment: As- sisted living communities encourage au- tonomy within a residential setting, while nursing homes provide a more clinically structured environment with close medi- cal oversight. Staffing and expertise: Assisted liv- ing facilities typically employ caregivers and, in some cases, licensed nurses; in contrast, nursing homes maintain a full team of healthcare professionals, includ- ing licensed nurses that are available and on-site 24/7. Nursing home residents in Louisiana must also be monitored by a physician who makes routine facility visits and remains available by phone for the on- duty nurse as needed. Residents in assisted living are typically offered transportation to the doctor’s office but are not seen by their primary care physicians in the com- munity. Cost considerations: Assisted living is generally more cost-effective than nurs- ing home care due to the lower intensity of