Nursing homes and assisted living are different kinds of senior care with different levels of service and oversight. This is a general, neutral overview — not advice about which is right for any individual.
Key points
✓Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care; assisted living focuses on daily-living support.
✓CMS rates certified nursing homes; assisted living is generally overseen by states.
✓The right setting depends on individual needs and a professional assessment.
Different levels of care
A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) provides 24-hour skilled nursing care for people with significant medical or care needs. Assisted living generally provides housing plus support with daily activities such as meals, bathing, and medication reminders, for people who do not need continuous skilled nursing. The distinction is about the level of care, and individual needs vary.
Different oversight
CMS certifies and rates nursing homes, and their inspection results appear on CMS Care Compare. Assisted living communities are generally licensed and overseen at the state level rather than by CMS, so they are not part of the CMS nursing-home ratings summarized on this site.
How to decide
Which setting fits depends on a person's medical and daily-living needs, and that is determined with a qualified professional such as a physician, discharge planner, or care manager. This site does not recommend a setting; it organizes CMS data on certified nursing homes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a nursing home and assisted living?▾
A nursing home provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, while assisted living generally provides housing and support with daily activities for people who do not need continuous skilled nursing. The right choice depends on individual needs.
Does CMS rate assisted living?▾
CMS certifies and rates nursing homes, not assisted living, which is generally overseen at the state level. This site summarizes CMS data on certified nursing homes only.
Which one is right for my family member?▾
That depends on the person's medical and daily-living needs and is determined with a qualified professional. This site provides CMS data, not personalized recommendations.
Verify with official sources
SeniorCareRating.com organizes public CMS data and is not affiliated with CMS or any facility. Confirm current details on the official CMS Care Compare site and with the facility before making decisions.
SeniorCareRating.com summarizes public CMS data. It is not affiliated with CMS, Medicare.gov, or any nursing home. Data may lag current conditions. This is not medical, legal, or care-placement advice — always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.
