What aspect of care primarily distinguishes nursing homes from assisted living facilities?

The distinguishing factor between nursing homes and assisted living facilities lies primarily in the availability of medical staff at all times. Nursing homes are designed to provide a higher level of medical care and supervision, catering to residents who require more extensive health-related services due to chronic illnesses or disabilities. These facilities typically have licensed medical staff, including nurses, available around the clock to attend to the residents' healthcare needs.

In contrast, assisted living facilities focus on providing a supportive environment for individuals who can still perform many daily activities independently but may need assistance with certain tasks, such as medication management or personal care. While they may have some medical services, they do not offer the same continuous, comprehensive medical care as nursing homes.

Thus, the constant availability of medical staff in nursing homes is a critical aspect that sets them apart from assisted living facilities, where residents generally maintain a greater degree of independence and self-sufficiency.