Nursing Home vs Assisted Living: Complete Comparison
Understand the key differences in care levels, costs, services, and how to choose the right option for your parent's needs.
Read ComparisonOne of the biggest decisions you'll face: where should your parent live? We'll help you evaluate options from aging in place to assisted living and beyond.
Where your parent lives profoundly affects their safety, independence, social connections, and quality of life. For many families, the "right" answer isn't obvious—and it often changes as needs evolve. Our living arrangements guides help you evaluate every option objectively, from modifying the family home for aging in place to understanding the differences between assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.
We know these decisions are emotional. Your parent may resist change, siblings may disagree, and guilt can cloud judgment. That's why our guides focus on practical criteria: safety indicators that signal when home is no longer working, questions to ask when touring facilities, financial considerations for each option, and strategies for making transitions smoother for everyone involved.
Whether you're proactively planning, responding to a health crisis, or somewhere in between, you'll find guidance here. We cover home modifications and smart technology that extend independence, how to evaluate and choose care facilities, managing the emotional and logistical challenges of moving day, and helping your parent adjust to a new living situation.
Understand the key differences in care levels, costs, services, and how to choose the right option for your parent's needs.
Read ComparisonRoom-by-room guide to making your parent's home safer. Prevent falls, improve accessibility, and add smart safety features.
Get ChecklistHelp your parent stay safely in their own home as long as possible.
Ramps, grab bars, stairlifts, and other modifications for accessibility.
Learn more →Technology to monitor safety and help seniors live independently.
Learn more →Using home equity to fund aging in place. Pros, cons, and alternatives.
Learn more →Understanding the different types of senior living and care facilities.
Facilities offering multiple levels of care as needs change.
Learn more →How to pay for assisted living, nursing homes, and memory care.
Learn more →Prevent accidents and create a safer environment.
Help your parent through major living changes.
Our comparison guide breaks down the differences between nursing homes and assisted living to help you decide.
Compare OptionsConnect with 53 million caregivers actively researching solutions for their aging parents.