Assisted Living vs Nursing Home

Donna Nichols • July 7, 2021

One question we get asked a lot at Assisted Living Made Simple is, What is the difference between assisted living vs nursing home ? Let me try to clear up the differences for you.

Assisted Living vs Nursing Home

Assisted living is great for seniors who no longer want to live alone and maintain a home, but want to live an active, social lifestyle. Seniors in assisted living are usually active, but may need assistance with activities of daily living, such as, bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation.

Communities do have nursing available should you require it and some have it available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care Communities: What's the Difference?

Some of the amenities of an assisted living community are:

  • Three meals a day, in a restaurant-style atmosphere
  • Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
  • Happy hours
  • Activities based on holidays and residents interests
  • Laundry, housekeeping, maintenance
  • Spacious apartments (some with small kitchenettes)
  • Wider doorways and ramps to allow easier access for wheelchairs and walkers

Assisted living is private-pay, but once you factor in everything you receive, it costs about the same as living in your house. To find out more, check out my other blog, Aging in Place.

What is the next level of care after assisted living?

The next level of care after assisted living really depends on the level of care you require. There are assisted living communities where you can age in place and never leave. There are also those who cannot handle serious conditions and you will have to be moved to a nursing home. So, it really just depends on what has happened to you and your condition.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are also referred to as skilled nursing facilities and are for those who require full-time medical assistance and around-the-clock monitoring. Nursing homes are for those who need a higher level of care but do not require hospitalization.

Residents in nursing homes do need advanced medical care in addition to their activities of daily living, such as, diabetic or other injections, catheter care, cognitive declination, advanced stages of Parkinson’s, impaired judgement and behavioral issues.

Services a nursing home provides:

  • Palliative and preventative long-term care
  • Dental services
  • Nutritional meal preparation
  • Prescription medicine administration, injections as well
  • Increased safety features
  • Rehabilitative services, such as speech, occupational, physical, and cognitive therapy

The cost of a nursing home is usually covered by insurance; it will depend on your specific plan. Medicaid is another way to pay for a nursing home, if you qualify.

When should you move from assisted living to nursing home?

The time to move from an assisted living community to a nursing home depends on your or the community’s doctor’s assessment as your health declines.

Should they determine you need more care than the community can handle, ex. Injections, catheter care, in-depth therapy, palliative care or long-term care, they will recommend you be moved to a nursing home.

Still wondering?

Are you still questioning if assisted living is better than a nursing home? Well, if you are still an active senior, but no longer want to live alone or maintain your home, assisted living is the choice for you; it is so much better than waiting until it’s too late and then having to live in a nursing home.

Be sure to enjoy your golden years while you can!!

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

Got Questions?
Need Help?

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.