When a family member has Alzheimer’s, it’s not always easy to choose between assisted living and nursing home care.

Granted, if the disease is in its early stages, assisted living is usually the way to go. And for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s, a nursing home is usually best. But in the middle stages, the decision can be more difficult.

Here are some things to consider as you weigh your options:

Assisted Living Facilities Versus Nursing Homes

The main difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes is the amount of care offered. Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care. Assisted living generally only provides nonmedical aid—help with things like dressing, cooking and bathing.

How to Choose

It makes sense, then, that the main question you’ll need to answer is, how much care does your family member need? But there are also cost considerations. And, if you’re leaning toward assisted living, you may want to think about how soon your loved one will have to move from there to a nursing home.

“When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, nothing is ever definite,” says Christine M. Valentin, a licensed clinical social worker with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “The disease presents differently in every person, and each family has their own needs, desires and requirements.”

Wile sorting through your unique needs, here are three key questions to ask yourself:

1. Does my family member need the level of care the nursing home requires for admission? (Valentin recommends asking for its policies.)
2. At what point would my family member have to move out of the assisted living facility or bring in additional care? (Again, request the policies.)
3. If Medicare, Medicaid or insurance is being used: Do my family member’s care needs meet its minimum requirements for nursing home care? (For government assistance, each state has its own criteria, Valentin points out. Keep in mind also that Medicare doesn’t pay for assisted living. Medicaid may.)

For people having trouble deciding which options is best, “My advice is to consult with their loved one’s physician, social workers and other health-care professionals who have experience with Alzheimer’s disease, and involved family members or friends,” Valentin says. “Doing so can help with making an informed decision.”

If assisted living and nursing home care don’t fit your Alzheimer’s-care needs, you might consider home care or residential care.