A nursing home or skilled nursing facility, also known as a rest home, is a type of care of residents. It is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living.

Residents include the elderly and younger adults with physical disabilities. Adults 18 or older can stay in a skilled nursing facility to receive physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies following an accident or illness.

Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks. They may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom, but they don't need full-time nursing care.

Assisted living costs less than nursing home care. It is still fairly expensive. Older people or their families usually foot the bill. Health and long-term care insurance policies may cover some of the costs. Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living.

Choosing the right nursing home or assisted living facility is one of life's most challenging events. These links should help consumers and healthcare professionals measure, evaluate, compare, and select nursing homes in their community.