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Long-Term Care vs Assisted Living

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A senior couple are sitting side by side on a couch with their arms around each other - they are smiling and laughing.

Care options for seniors have been evolving rapidly, leaving many potential options for individuals seeking care for themselves or a loved one. Having different levels of care available means seniors can now customize the level of care they receive in senior living communities. However, it also makes finding the right care option an intimidating task. 

Two commonly discussed care options for seniors are long-term care and assisted living. But what’s the difference between these two options?

Long-term care offers a more hands-on care approach and is meant for individuals with advanced medical needs. Meanwhile, assisted living focuses on helping individuals with some medical management and day-to-day tasks while supporting a more social and independent lifestyle.

Long-Term Care

What exactly is long-term care? Long-term care, also called a nursing home or Skilled Nursing Facility, is a form of care meant for seniors with complex mobility or medical needs that require high levels of support from professional staff. 

What Do Long-Term Communities Look Like?

Long-term care looks different from assisted living. These communities are designed to provide intensive care. While the design of individual locations will vary, some common things you can find in long-term care are: 

  • Private or semi-private sleeping arrangements. 
  • Safety equipment such as patient lifts, grab bars, or specialized bathroom tubs (and much more!).
  • Shared dining and recreation spaces. 
  • Shared indoor and outdoor spaces for visiting guests. 

Assisted Living

A joyful group of elderly people are sitting in chairs during an exercise class while they are tossing and catching balls.

Assisted living differs from long-term care because it is meant for individuals with moderate to high mobility and no advanced medical needs. Assisted living environments focus on providing community to their residents while encouraging and supporting residents to maintain independence. 

What Services Are Included in Assisted Living?

Assisted living offers many services aimed at meeting residents’ social, physical, and medical needs. The activities and amenities available in each individual assisted living facility may vary. However, some services are consistent across assisted living communities. Common assisted living services include: 

  • All meals are provided with menu options
  • Scheduled physical exercise classes for a variety of abilities. 
  • Social events and scheduled entertainment events. 
  • Daily housekeeping, bathing, and dressing services.
  • Assistance in medication management and medical appointment scheduling. 
  • Assistance in arranging transportation to and from medical and therapeutic appointments.

What Do Assisted Living Communities Look Like?

Assisted living communities will not look the same as nursing homes. This is due to their focus on providing community and promoting physical health, while nursing homes focus on medical care. Each assisted living facility may differ from the next, some common things you can find in assisted living are: 

  • Private rooms that include amenities like ensuite bathrooms. 
  • Shared dining rooms, recreational areas, and entertainment spaces. 
  • Accessible green or gardening spaces for outside recreation. 

Finding the Right Option for You

Overall, assisted living is for seniors who are still somewhat independent and can maintain an active lifestyle, but require some help managing their medical conditions and day-to-day tasks. Assisted living offers more privacy and social opportunities than long-term care does, but less hands-on medical care. 

Long-term care may become the right choice when a person’s medical conditions or mobility impairments become big enough that assisted living is no longer an option.

Choosing the right senior living option doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary. At The Athenaeum of Skaneateles by Peregrine Senior Living, we want to help you understand what options are right for you

For more information about our senior living lifestyles, tours, and services you can contact us today

Services, Events, & Dining Experiences

We strive to serve each resident who calls our community home with meaningful experiences and person-centered care. From innovative services to personalized dining options, we’re here to meet your loved one’s unique needs.

Our Services & Amenities

Our services and amenities are designed to nurture connection, happiness, and comfort. Our residents can spend time with friends in comfortable shared spaces or relax in a beautiful apartment. Our community truly feels like home.

Our Events & Activities

Our events and activities are curated to be safe, inclusive experiences that help our residents make the most of every moment. Our community events include hobby classes, a wide array of organized activities, and regularly scheduled group outings.

Our Restaurant-Style Dining

Our restaurant-style dining features a range of delightful and nutritious meals crafted by our culinary staff. We celebrate each resident’s journey through food and serve residents their favorite dishes.

Visit Peregrine Senior Living Today

Find us among the peaceful surroundings of Lakeview Circle on Route 20 in this culturally and historically rich community.

Our Queen Anne historic building is located just outside the idyllic center of the lakeside Village of Skaneateles.

Visitors are always welcome.

Our Address

  • 150 East Genesee St.
  • Skaneateles, NY 13152

Contact Information

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8 hours ago

Scarecrow Contest & Social Oct 20, 3:30pm150 East Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY, United States, New York 13152Let's get creative and have some fun! ... See MoreSee Less

Scarecrow Contest & Social

Cheers 🍻 to good health and good weather. Happy Oktoberfest! ... See MoreSee Less

Cheers 🍻 to good health and good weather.  Happy Oktoberfest!Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

At Peregrine Senior Living, we understand that long-term care planning is about more than logistics. It’s about dignity, care, and celebrating individuality.

Take the time this month to explore your options. Your loved one deserves compassionate care, and we're here to help.

peregrineathenaeum.com/
... See MoreSee Less

At Peregrine Senior Living, we understand that long-term care planning is about more than logistics. It’s about dignity, care, and celebrating individuality. 

Take the time this month to explore your options. Your loved one deserves compassionate care, and were here to help.

https://peregrineathenaeum.com/
1 week ago

We have been so fortunate to have this beautiful fall weather and the opportunities to enjoy it. One of our favorite spots, Navarino Orchard! ... See MoreSee Less

We have been so fortunate to have this beautiful fall weather and the opportunities to enjoy it. One of our favorite spots, Navarino Orchard!Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

Staff Paint ‘N Sip 2025. Sharing each other’s strengths and weaknesses through art created an evening of bonding, laughs and memories. Thanks to all of you who attended and to those who took a moment to vote on their favorite piece. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our pumpkins are pink! ... See MoreSee Less

Staff Paint ‘N Sip 2025.  Sharing each other’s strengths and weaknesses through art created an evening of bonding, laughs and memories.  Thanks to all of you who attended and to those who took a moment to vote on their favorite piece. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our pumpkins are pink!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

In honor of the 78th birthday of the U.S. Air Force becoming established as an independent branch of the armed forces by the National Security Act, I would like to thank those at The Athenaeum who served in The U.S Air Force. Thank You, David and Dick for your dedication, your bravery and your personal sacrifices. We are grateful for your commitment. ... See MoreSee Less

In honor of the 78th birthday of the U.S. Air Force becoming established as an independent branch of the armed forces by the National Security Act, I would like to thank those at The Athenaeum who served in The U.S Air Force.  Thank You, David and Dick for your dedication, your bravery and your personal sacrifices.  We are grateful for your commitment.
3 weeks ago

What a fabulous day for an Antique Car Show. Thank you to all of you who were able to participate as well as join in the festivities. A big Thank You to Jilissa Vellake for the show. Time flies with good music, good weather and good people! ... See MoreSee Less

What a fabulous day for an Antique Car Show.  Thank you to all of you who were able to participate as well as join in the festivities.  A big Thank You to Jilissa Vellake for the show.  Time flies with good music, good weather and good people!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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