What is the difference between nursing home and an assisted care facility?

In some states (maybe all) an ALF can evict a resident for non payment or when the ALF can’t meet the care requirements of the resident.

There are levels of care. The more care needed, the Higher the costs.

I see by your profile that your wife has Parkinson’s with LBD. She may require memory care.

Here is a link for the Area Agency on Aging for your Area. They may be able to help you determine which facility would be appropriate for you and your wife. Ask for an assessment.
https://aaa1b.org/

Make sure the elder attorney you visit is a certified elder attorney and is well versed in Medicaid law for your state should you need that assistance.

My opinion only here, you understand, but often enough, MONEY. Assisted Living often costs so much more. The assumption on someone entering is that they only need "assistance" in living. No longer are safe or able, let us say, to cook at home. Often people can bring along some of their own furniture, bed,chest, table,etc. Some have a choice of one, two, even three rooms and very rarely have a kitchen. Usually a dining area where residents meet communally to eat. Often an open living area with large TV. You might look at a few online. Usually some grounds well maintained. People are expected to fall within certain levels of care. Almost independent would be level one. Needing some assist with medications given, etc bumps you up in level. Costs can be as high as 5,000 a month easiy,and if memory care is involved often 10,000 a month. Rooms are not shared unless by specific wish,say a husband and wife. There is seldom anything but self pay persons in most. And when money runs out so does your time their. They are often giving less nursing care and they are often less regulated, but their residents are often more in charge of their own lives. Most have vans and buses to take persons shopping at this or that mall,to medical appointments and so on. "Nursing homes" can be divided into SNF or skilled nursing,meaning the resident needs some nursing care, perhaps some therapies given. Often residents are two to a room. Often Medicaid funds are accepted. They are quite regulated by most states. Residents do not often have their own possessions around them, do not take their own meds,are often served meals in their rooms on a tray. May need a lot to total assistance with all care. Then there is the plain old "Nursing Home". Would be a lot the same but not so much medical personnel. Rehab is of course a whole other animal. There is a lot more to it, and things do vary city by city, state by state,but that gives you a little idea at least. Do google just that question and do some research on your own on the subject.