We get this question a lot here at SpringBrook.

While it may seem like minor distinctions, it is important to understand the differences when looking for care for yourself or a loved one.

A nursing home is a federal designation, technically referred to as a Skilled Nursing Facility, or SNF. Nursing Home standards are largely the same from state to state. Nursing Homes began in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and by the 1960’s every state had them. This type of care was developed primarily because it was cheaper than having people in acute care hospital settings for long periods of time. Nursing Homes offer a significant amount of medical care. They have an MD as a medical director and have their own pharmacy. They are required to have licensed personnel (nurses) on the floor at all times. The regulations are immense, and – you guessed it – because of this, the cost is immense as well. In Wisconsin, you can probably figure a minimum of $8,000+ per month for a Nursing Home, and we are less expensive than many states.

By the 1980’s there were many, individuals in nursing homes, and many of them did not need medical care. Many just needed help with bathing, dressing, toileting, etc. These are called personal and supportive cares and do not need to be done by a licensed nurse. Hence, the assisted living industry was born. Assisted Living is regulated by each state, not the federal government, so there can be many variations from state to state.

In Wisconsin, there are four types of Assisted Living Facilities (ALF’s):

1. Adult Day Care Center (ADCC)
2. Adult Family Home (AFH)
3. Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC)
4. Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF)

SpringBrook Community of Onalaska operates two of the four. We have an RCAC and a CBRF. In the RCAC, which we call “Assisted Living,” tenants must be competent to make their own medical decisions, be independently mobile in their apartments, and be able to respond appropriately to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency. We provide a variety of personal and supportive cares to help with everyday life. We also provide some limited medical care as well, such as medication management and health monitoring.
In the CBRF, which we call “Memory Care” or “High Needs,” we provide the same level of medical care, but a higher level of personal and supportive care, up to and including wander tags for individuals with dementia, and transfer assistance or lifts for individuals with mobility needs.

The vast majority of people will never need the licensed medical care that is offered in a nursing home. Most people prefer the home-like atmosphere (and more reasonable pricing) of an assisted living facility. In most cases, SpringBrook is the last home for our residents and tenants, and we are humbled to serve in that capacity. However, when you are looking for care for yourself or your loved one, make sure you understand the differences between assisted living and nursing homes. Also, keep in mind the complexity of medical issues that may be present (or may arise) in any given situation. If a facility says something that sounds too good to be true – such as, you or your loved one is “guaranteed” to stay there forever – run the other direction.

That facility is not being honest with you.