When it comes to choosing a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one, understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is crucial. This guide explores the criteria, services, and costs of both options to help you make an informed decision about your care needs.
As new U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that in 2025, fewer than half (47%) of U.S. households were married couples, reflecting long-term shifts in family and living arrangements, this demographic change could contribute to an increased demand for assisted living and nursing homes as more individuals seek specialized care outside of traditional family settings.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option designed for individuals who can no longer live independently but don’t require the intensive care offered by a nursing home. Assisted living facilities typically offer a variety of services, including help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. However, residents are often still capable of performing some tasks independently.Â
The primary focus of assisted living is to help seniors live as independently as possible while receiving support for their activities of daily living (ADLs). For more about assisted living, visit Harbor Life’s Senior Assisted Living page.
What Is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals who require round-the-clock care due to chronic health conditions or a significant decline in physical or mental health. Unlike assisted living, nursing homes provide a higher level of medical care, with registered nurses (RNs) and other health professionals on staff at all times. They are suitable for individuals who require 24-hour supervision and specialized care for serious health issues, such as post-surgery rehabilitation, dementia, or complex chronic conditions.
If you’re exploring options for comprehensive care, consider visiting this NIH guide to long-term care facilities for more detailed insights into nursing homes.
Key Differences Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
While both provide residential care, there are significant differences between assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Care Level: Assisted living provides help with basic tasks, but residents generally don’t need constant medical attention. Nursing homes, on the other hand, offer full-time medical care and are suited for people with serious health issues.
- Staffing: Assisted living facilities are typically staffed with caregivers, but nursing homes have registered nurses and medical staff available 24/7.
- Cost: Nursing homes tend to be more expensive because they provide higher levels of medical care. Assisted living costs are generally more affordable and can vary by location and level of services needed.
To compare these two care options more thoroughly, check out this detailed Healthline article.
Criteria for Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes
The criteria for assisted living vs nursing home care largely depend on the person’s health and ability to perform daily activities. To qualify for assisted living, individuals typically need to be able to manage basic daily functions, such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene, with minimal assistance. Nursing homes are suitable for individuals who require substantial medical supervision or have health conditions that necessitate constant care.
For more information on qualifying factors, visit ACTS‘ guide comparing CCRC, assisted living, and nursing homes. Learn what to expect when seeking admission to different types of senior care facilities and explore eligibility and documentation requirements for various care settings in this article from SeniorLiving.org.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home Costs
The cost of assisted living varies widely by location, level of care, and facility amenities. On average, assisted living can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 per month, while nursing homes can cost $6,000 to $10,000 or more for a semi-private room. These costs typically cover housing, meals, basic medical care, and support services.
Explore How to Pay for Assisted Living With No Money Using Life Insurance in our article.Â
Long-Term Care vs Assisted Living
Long-term care is an umbrella term that encompasses various types of care for seniors, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care services. Assisted living is one option within the spectrum of long-term care services. While long-term care is often associated with nursing homes, assisted living offers a middle ground for seniors who do not need intensive medical care but still require some support.
For a deeper understanding of long-term care services, visit Harbor Life’s Senior Care page to explore various options.
Types of Nursing Homes
Not all nursing homes are alike. There are various types, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and memory care units. Skilled nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care, while rehab centers focus on short-term recovery, often following surgery or illness. Memory care units are specialized facilities designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?
The key difference lies in the level of care required. Assisted living is ideal for individuals who require assistance with day-to-day activities but do not require around-the-clock medical supervision. Nursing homes, by contrast, are suited for people with complex medical needs who require continuous nursing care and monitoring. Whether you choose assisted living or a nursing home depends on your loved one’s medical needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget.
Retirement Home vs Nursing Home
While retirement homes may offer some care services, they are not designed for individuals with significant medical needs. Retirement homes typically provide a more independent lifestyle with some community features, such as dining, recreation, and social events. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed for individuals who require more comprehensive medical care and supervision.
Next Steps
Choosing the proper care facility is a crucial decision. By understanding the key differences between assisted living and nursing homes, you can make the choice that best suits your loved one’s health and lifestyle needs. If you’re ready to explore options for funding long-term care, consider using your life insurance policy to help cover costs.Â
Get a free estimate to see how a life settlement or viatical settlement can help you unlock funds for senior care.
