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What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?

Short answer

Assisted living helps with daily tasks, meals and medicines in a home-like setting. Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care for people with complex medical needs.

Rules differ by state. This is general information, not legal or professional advice.

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Official sources

Medicare.gov: Care Comparemedicare.gov
Eldercare Locatoreldercare.acl.gov
Medicaid.gov: home and community-based servicesmedicaid.gov