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

The real difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility is the level of intimate care offered. For example, in a senior assisted living facility, residents have their own small apartments, frequently equipped with kitchenettes, and are responsible for their basic personal hygiene. Although they may eat main meals in a large dining hall with other residents, they may be allowed to fix themselves small snacks and meals. They require little to no assistance with toileting and hygiene. In a senior nursing home, residents frequently live in smaller quarters and have more involved assistance from staff. They have help with day-to-day activities and routines and are less independent than those who reside in a assisted living facility.