Is Assisted Living Considered a Long-Term Care Facility?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

Assisted living is considered a long-term care facility. Residents generally need ongoing help with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing and grooming, because of chronic health problems, although some centers accept short-term residents recovering from illness or surgery. Most assisted living residents stay for an extended period of months or years.

Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living?

Medicare doesn’t pay for assisted living or other forms of long-term care. However, Medicaid pays for medical services received at assisted living communities in some states. For example, a Medicaid state waiver program may cover the cost of help with activities of daily living if a physician documents this type of assistance as medically necessary. Every state has different eligibility rules, so individuals should check with their local Medicaid office to see if they qualify.

Does Assisted Living Differ From Skilled Nursing Care?

Assisted living differs from skilled nursing care. Only licensed medical providers and those supervised by certified professionals can perform skilled nursing services. Examples of skilled nursing include catheter care, intravenous injections and wound care. Nursing home residents also receive custodial care, which includes help with activities of daily living.

On the other hand, assisted living consists mostly of custodial care and doesn’t include skilled nursing services. Non-licensed caregivers safely provide custodial care for assisted living residents. Many assisted living communities also offer transportation, events, social activities and amenities, such as fitness centers.