Whether you've recently sustained a fall while home by yourself or are just noticing that you no longer bounce back from injuries or illnesses as quickly as you once did, you may be wondering whether it's time to transition to an assisted living arrangement. But while assisted living can be a boon to those who need just a bit of help with certain activities or who want to retire to a more sedate style of living, the thought of giving up even a small amount of independence can be stressful, and you may wonder whether it's only a matter of time before you're shuffled off to a nursing home. Read on to learn more about some of the differences between assisted living and nursing homes, as well as what you'll want to consider when moving into an assisted living apartment.

What are the differences between assisted living apartments and a nursing home or rehabilitation facility? 

As the name implies, assisted living is just that: a place where independent adults can live their lives while having access to help with some basic household services, like laundry, grocery shopping, or even cooking. Assisted living communities often have community-centered activities, like concerts, plays, and art classes, and may even have a pharmacy or grocery store on-site to allow you to go about your day without needing to drive or share a cab to run errands. 

Assisted living apartments may have a doctor or two on staff, but they generally don't provide medical care. If you need help with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or using the restroom, you may be able to hire a caretaker to come assist you with these functions, but it won't be covered by your assisted living lease or purchase agreement. 

Those who need round-the-clock care can benefit from a nursing home. These inpatient facilities have doctors, nurses, and other care providers on staff to provide medical and personal care services to those who can't handle these tasks themselves.

What are some signs you could benefit from an assisted living apartment?

In some cases, seniors choose to move to assisted living just to minimize some of the hassle of their daily lives. Assisted living communities provide an all-in-one atmosphere that can be convenient and welcoming.

In other cases, seniors may not want to impose on their kids for help with grocery shopping and other activities. An assisted living apartment can be a good compromise.