Understand & choose
Two solutions that are often confused, yet very different. Here are the factual pointers to understand which one fits your situation.
The starting point
The main difference comes down to one word: autonomy. A senior services residence is for independent older people who want an adapted, secure home surrounded by services, while keeping their independence.
A nursing home (EHPAD in French) is a medicalised facility for dependent people who need daily care and support.
Understanding this distinction removes a lot of hesitation. The table below sums up the essential differences.
Comparison
Who it is for
Senior services residence
Independent seniors looking for an adapted home and à-la-carte services.
Nursing home (EHPAD)
Dependent older people who need medical support and help with daily activities.
Medical care
Senior services residence
Non-medicalised. Care is provided by the independent health professionals of your choice.
Nursing home (EHPAD)
Medicalised facility, with a nursing team and on-site medical coordination.
Housing status
Senior services residence
You rent your own apartment (rental lease) and keep your independence.
Nursing home (EHPAD)
Accommodation in a room within a medico-social facility.
Freedom & daily life
Senior services residence
You keep your freedom: you organise your days, welcome family and come and go at your own pace.
Nursing home (EHPAD)
A daily life organised around the support and care of residents.
Services
Senior services residence
Shared services (welcome, safety, activities) and individual à-la-carte services (dining, housekeeping, personal help).
Nursing home (EHPAD)
Accommodation, dining, care and dependence support combined into a single overall package.
Available aid
Senior services residence
APL / ALS on the rent, tax credit on personal services, APA at home where loss of autonomy is recognised.
Nursing home (EHPAD)
Specific aid for accommodation and dependence (depending on situation and facility).
The OBEO positioning
All OBEO residences are non-medicalised senior services residences, designed for independent older people. You rent your own adapted apartment and choose your services à la carte, while keeping your freedom.
Care is provided by the health professionals of your choice, with healthcare facilities close to each residence. That is the OBEO spirit: independence first, with added comfort and safety.
Your apartment, your pace
A home of your own, services when you want them, a present team and daily safety, without the medicalised setting of a facility.
Discover our 11 residencesAs long as the person remains independent, the senior services residence stays suitable. Where loss of autonomy is recognised (GIR 1-4), the APA at home can fund personal support services. If permanent medical support becomes necessary, a move to a suitable facility such as a nursing home can be considered.
Read more: choosing the right residence · funding & financial aid · frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions
A senior services residence (RSS) is a set of homes for independent seniors, non-medicalised: you rent your own apartment and choose your services. An EHPAD is a medicalised facility that hosts dependent older people who need daily support and care.
No. OBEO residences are non-medicalised senior services residences, intended for independent older people. Care is provided by the health professionals of your choice, with healthcare facilities close to each residence.
For an independent senior, a senior services residence offers an adapted, secure home surrounded by services while keeping your independence, without the medicalised setting of a nursing home. It is a suitable answer as long as the person remains independent.
As long as the person remains independent, the senior services residence is suitable. The APA at home can fund support services where loss of autonomy is recognised (GIR 1-4). If permanent medical support becomes necessary, a move to a suitable facility such as a nursing home (EHPAD) can be considered.
Let's talk it through
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