Where I live, I've found the difference is in what type of institute you are looking at.
The Nursing Homes, as we call them, are a medical type of housing for those who are chronically ill and in need of daily help to do most anything.
They are usually two people to the room and are dependent on someone to bathe, help with eating and medical assistance such as tube feeding, medications and walking devices.
The type of housing we call Assisted Living or Independent Senior Living places usually do have a Happy Hour lounge for the residents. These people usually do not require the medical assistance that is needed in a nursing home setting.
They may need walkers, scooters, or even wheelchairs to go places and transportation is provided for them, but they aren't in need of daily nursing care.
The really affluent Assisted Living places can be around $10,000 per month. This includes nice dining and the lounge for Happy Hours and parties.
So, basically, it depends on the degree of help you need and if it is more of a medical unit as to the lounge provided.
Take a look at what money can buy for an Assisted Living Facility:
The Nursing Homes are a truly sad situation though.