1. Level of Care:
   • Assisted Living: These facilities are designed for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in a nursing home. Assisted living residents typically live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to help as needed, but also a degree of independence.
   • Nursing Homes: Also known as skilled nursing facilities, these are for individuals who require a higher level of medical care. Residents might have severe or debilitating physical or mental conditions that require constant nursing care and supervision. Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care, including medical monitoring and treatments.
2. Living Environment:
   • Assisted Living: These facilities often provide a more residential setting. They may offer amenities like housekeeping, meals in a communal dining area, social activities, and transportation. The environment is typically more home-like, and residents have more opportunities for social interaction and recreation.
   • Nursing Homes: The environment in a nursing home is more clinical to cater to the medical needs of residents. The focus is on healthcare and physical therapy, with amenities and activities often being secondary.
3. Cost and Insurance Coverage:
   • Assisted Living: Generally less expensive than nursing homes, as they provide less intensive care. Costs are often paid out of pocket or by long-term care insurance, as Medicare does not usually cover long-term assisted living costs.
   • Nursing Homes: More expensive due to the higher level of medical care. Medicaid may cover these costs for eligible individuals, and Medicare might cover short-term stays after a hospitalization but not long-term care.
4. Personal Independence:
   • Assisted Living: Greater emphasis on personal independence and privacy. Residents are encouraged to live as independently as possible.
   • Nursing Homes: Due to the medical nature of care, there is generally less focus on personal independence, with more emphasis on healthcare and physical assistance.

It’s important to evaluate the needs of the individual when considering these options, as they cater to different levels of care and lifestyles.

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes differ primarily in the level of care they provide and the living environment.