Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a nursing home and an adult home/assisted living facility?
A: An adult home is by law a facility intended to provide minimal to moderate assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and use of a bathroom. The adult home may provide medication if there are qualified persons on staff. They commonly provide both long term and short term (respite) care. Adult homes are regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Additionally they must comply with the local building codes. The building inspectors office may conduct inspections of the facility. Adult homes are generally funded by grants from the local government or through private funds. A nursing home provides healthcare to its patients.
Nursing homes are subject to much stricter federal and state regulations and must be staffed with nurses. The Virginia Department of Health is responsible for ensuring that nursing homes comply with these regulations. They are subject to both announced and unannounced inspections, however, the inspectors are not able to catch all violations of health and safety regulations and unfortunately many cases of elder abuse and neglect goes unreported. You are invited to learn more about legal remedies against nursing homes and adult homes for abusing and neglecting the elderly at our Elder Abuse and Neglect website.
