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

A nursing home and an assisted living facility are both residential care facilities that provide health and personal care services to individuals who require assistance in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication. However, there are some key differences between the two. Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, provide 24-hour medical care, while assisted living facilities may or may not provide medical care and are only required to have a medical director available. Nursing homes are heavily regulated by the state and federal government and must follow strict guidelines to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment. Nursing homes must also abide by the Nursing Home Abuse Law in California, which requires that residents are treated with dignity and respect and are free from physical and emotional abuse. Assisted living facilities typically provide more community-based services than a nursing home, such as housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, community activities, and medication management. Residents have greater independence at assisted living facilities as they are not bed-bound and may have some privacy, while at nursing homes they tend to be supervised more closely. In conclusion, while nursing homes provide necessary medical care and must comply with the Nursing Home Abuse Law in California, assisted living facilities provide more personal care and a greater sense of independence.

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