Clinical abilities, regulations, and payment source. Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing Facilities are regulated by the Federal Government and accept Medicare and Medicaid (state funded) as payment for services. Nursing Homes offer a medical model of care with Physicians serving as Medical Directors, licensed nurses including Registered Nurses around the clock. Nursing homes also have the ability to offer intense therapy services, some offering upwards of three hours a day!
Assisted Living offers long term housing. Assisted Living is regulated by the individual state, offers a social model and does not accept Medicare as a payment source for your stay. Assisted Living is designed to “assist with” activities of daily living and basic care oversight. Unlike nursing homes, Assisted Living accommodations are similar to an apartment and residents will bring their own furniture.