The chart below compares how Residential Care at The Fitch differs from Assisted Living or a Skilled Nursing Facility:
| Assisted Living | Residential Care | The Fitch | Skilled Nursing Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs | Licensed and Regulated by MA Department of Public Health | Licensed and Regulated by MA Department of Public Health |
| Social / Business Model | Medical Model | Medical Model |
| Apartment Living | Room and Shared Space | Room and Shared Space |
| Provide up to 3 meals daily and social activities | Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, social activities, and events | Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, social activities, and events |
| Housekeeping and laundry services (may require an extra fee) | Housekeeping and laundry included | Housekeeping and laundry included |
| Offer 24 hour security | 24 hour supervision and security | 24 hour skilled nursing, IV drugs, oxygen, injections, mechanical lift transfers |
| On-site staff responds to emergencies call 911 | On-site staff respond to emergencies; gives first aid and calls 911 | On-site staff respond to emergencies |
| May provide oversight of a resident’s self-administration of medication (extra fee) | Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs | Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs |
| Supervision of bathing/dressing for a set number of hours, Additional hours by fee | Provides assistance with bathing & dressing | Assistance with all personal care needs; total care |
| Minor nursing services | Licensed nurse available at times | RN and LPN coverage 24/7; medical director available for consultation |
| Resident provides furniture | Encourage personal belongings; furniture provided | Furniture provided; may have special units for rehab, dementia, etc. |
| Primarily private pay; limited Medicaid slots | Mostly subsidized by Medicaid, SSI and private pay | Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance and private pay |
| For Profit: More Expensive | Non-Profit: Less Expensive |