Growing to old age is considered a blessing. Despite this, it has many disadvantages such as a decline in health, which may necessitate the need to get assistance in handling normal daily activities, not to mention the need for constant health care needs. This has led to the development of nursing homes as well as retirement homes all over the world. While these two cater for old and sick people, they have differences.

What is Nursing Home?

These are care centers for elderly or disabled persons who require medical needs which cannot be fully catered at home. The services are available on a 24-hour basis, including all meals. Nursing homes also have skilled nurses who provide medical services such as rehabilitation services including speech and occupational therapy.

They accommodate:

• Frail elderly persons who need full or partial help in everyday life functions
• People who need constant nursing and medical care such as persons with mobility problems
• Mentally ill elderly persons who may be suffering from memory loss, orientation, and judgment.

What is Retirement Home?

These are care centers designed for independent individuals who require minimal assistance or do not require constant medical assistance. It offers a safe environment to older persons of the same age group, and also provides recreational and social activities. Although retirement homes offer medical services, they are limited in the services they can offer. Residents in need of vital and serious medical services may be moved to other facilities.

Similarities between Nursing Home and Retirement Home

• Both cater to the elderly and sick persons

Differences between Nursing Home and Retirement Home

Definition

Nursing homes refer to care centers for elderly or disabled persons who require medical needs which cannot be fully catered at home. On the other hand, retirement homes refer to care centers designed for independent individuals who require minimal assistance or do not require constant medical assistance.

Type of care

Nursing homes provide care to frail elderly persons who need full or partial help in everyday life functions, people who need constant nursing and medical care such as persons with mobility problems and mentally ill persons who may be suffering from memory loss, orientation, and judgment. On the other hand, retirement homes offer a safe environment, recreational and social activities to older persons of the same age group who require limited medical attention.

Government funding

While nursing homes may receive public funding from the government, retirement homes are private entities and do not receive any funding from the government.

Payments

While nursing homes charge monthly payments towards the services offered, retirement homes base their payments on the size of the apartment unit as well as the services offered.

Nursing Home and Retirement Home

Summary of Nursing Home vs. Retirement Home

Nursing homes refer to care centers for elderly or disabled persons who require medical needs which cannot be fully catered at home. They provide care to frail elderly persons who need full or partial help in everyday life functions, people who need constant nursing and medical care such as persons with mobility problems and mentally ill elderly persons who may be suffering from memory loss, orientation, and judgment. Nursing homes may, however, receive funding from the government.

On the other hand, retirement homes refer to care centers designed for independent individuals who require minimal assistance or do not require constant medical assistance. They offer a safe environment, recreational and social activities to older persons of the same age group who require limited medical attention and do not receive funding from the government. Despite the differences, both provide important care to the elderly or sick in society.

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