Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
The biggest difference is the level of medical care. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily activities but not round-the-clock medical supervision. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care for complex health conditions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Assisted Living | Nursing Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Care | Medication management, basic health monitoring | 24/7 skilled nursing, complex medical care |
| Staff | Caregivers and med techs on site | Registered nurses (RNs) on duty 24/7 |
| Living Space | Private apartment or suite | Shared or semi-private room |
| Independence | High — residents set their own schedule | Lower — structured medical routines |
| Activities | Social events, outings, fitness classes | Therapeutic activities, rehabilitation focus |
| Meals | Restaurant-style dining, flexible times | Set mealtimes, dietary-managed meals |
| Avg Cost (AZ) | $4,195/month | $7,908/month |
| Medicare Coverage | No | Yes (short-term rehab only) |
| Medicaid (ALTCS) | Yes, if qualified | Yes, if qualified |
Which Is Right for Your Family?
Choose Assisted Living if...
- Seniors who need help with bathing, dressing, meals, and medication
- Those who value independence and a home-like environment
- Families looking for a more affordable long-term option
Choose Nursing Home if...
- Seniors requiring 24/7 medical monitoring or skilled nursing
- Those recovering from surgery, stroke, or serious illness
- People needing ventilator care, IV therapy, or wound care
Pros and Cons
Assisted Living
Pros
- +More affordable
- +Home-like environment
- +Greater independence
- +Social community atmosphere
- +Private living spaces
Cons
- -Limited medical care
- -Not suited for complex conditions
- -May need to transfer if health declines
Nursing Home
Pros
- +24/7 skilled medical care
- +Medicare covers short-term stays
- +Handles complex conditions
- +On-site rehabilitation
Cons
- -Much more expensive
- -Less privacy (shared rooms)
- -Institutional feel
- -Less personal freedom
What This Means in Arizona
In Arizona, assisted living averages $4,195/month while nursing homes average $7,908/month — a savings of $3,713/month. Arizona's ALTCS Medicaid program covers both, but qualifying for assisted living is generally easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can assisted living handle dementia?
Yes — many assisted living communities in Arizona have dedicated memory care units for residents with Alzheimer's or dementia. These cost more than standard assisted living ($5,000-$6,500/mo) but far less than nursing homes.
When should someone move from assisted living to a nursing home?
When they need 24/7 skilled medical care that assisted living can't provide — things like IV therapy, ventilator care, complex wound management, or constant RN supervision. Your facility's care team will help guide this transition.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not cover assisted living. It only covers nursing home stays for short-term rehabilitation (up to 100 days) after a qualifying hospital stay. Arizona's ALTCS Medicaid program does cover assisted living for those who qualify.
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Not Sure Which Option Is Right?
Our local advisor will assess your loved one's needs and recommend the right type of care — completely free.