Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Assisted Living: Understanding the Differences

Nursing Homes (often called Skilled Nursing Facilities) offer licensed nurses and rehabilitative services to residents with health conditions that require skilled care. Residents also receive help with daily living activities and medication management. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans will pay for some of the costs involved with nursing homes, but it can still be very costly.

Assisted Living Facilities are designed to provide an environment that promotes seniors’ independence with their daily living activities and social interaction. In addition, a wide range of care services are available to residents if and when they need it.