When considering care options for yourself or a loved one, the right choice will depend on your individual needs and level of independence.

At Ryman, we offer a range of living and care options, from independent living to assisted living in serviced apartments, as well as rest home, hospital, and dementia-level care in our care centres. In some cases, rest home-level care can also be provided within a serviced apartment.

The best option for you will depend on how much clinical and day-to-day support you require, now and into the future. 

What is assisted living?

Assisted living in a serviced apartment is ideal if you’re mostly independent but would benefit from a little extra support with daily tasks.

You’ll enjoy the privacy of your own apartment and access to village amenities, while receiving help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. It’s an independent lifestyle with support available as and when needed.

Assisted-living residents choose the level of support that suits them best.

What is a nursing home?

What many people think of as a nursing home is a facility that offers live-in rest home or hospital-level care, such as a Ryman care centre. These are designed for people who need daily support such as: 

• help with mobility, 
• medication management, or 
• ongoing clinical supervision.

While Ryman don’t use the term “nursing home” to describe our care centres, the level and range of care provided is similar. Ryman also offer specialised dementia care for residents with more complex health needs.

Nursing home vs assisted living: what’s the difference?

While there is some overlap in the support provided, the key difference between assisted living and a nursing home or care centre lies in the level of independence.

Assisted living is designed to support autonomy, while care centres are suited to those with complex or ongoing care needs. Below is a comparison table showing the main differences.

Frequently asked questions

Are a nursing home and assisted living the same thing?

No. Assisted living supports independence with light daily care. Nursing homes and care centres provide full-time clinical care for people with complex health needs.

Do you get care in assisted living?

Yes – support options include meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care – but not intensive medical supervision.

When should someone move into a nursing home?

If they require 24/7 medical attention, mobility support, or memory care that cannot be provided safely in an assisted living environment.

Which option is right for you or your loved one?

Choosing between assisted living and a care centre depends on your current health, level of independence, and how much daily support you need.

• If you're mostly independent but would like help with meals, personal care, or mobility, assisted living can help you maintain your independence with a little extra support.
• If your health needs or those of a loved one are more complex and require regular nursing care or close supervision, moving into a care centre may be more appropriate.

It’s also worth considering your future needs. Many Ryman residents have transitioned from assisted living to a care centre within the same village as their circumstances changed, allowing them to remain close to familiar faces and the community they know.

Whether assisted living or care centre living is the right fit depends on the level of support that’s needed.

Need help deciding what’s right for you? Contact us today

While this article gives you a general overview of the difference between assisted living and living in a care centre, it’s even better to talk to the experts to find out what is the best option for your or for a loved one.

If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to contact us to book a personalised tour or speak with a member of our friendly team.