What is Assisted Living? Independence with Help as Needed.
Assisted living is a residential community that offers assistance with daily activities for people who are able to get around independently.
Every community offers different levels of support, so it's important to understand the level of care your loved one needs now, as well as what health conditions may need further assistance in the future.
Amenities and services provided for older adults residing in an assisted living community vary nationwide. In many areas, assisted senior housing could be considered independent living with added services to assist those who need "hands-on" care. Some assisted living services nationwide are also provided in residential settings. In these settings, seniors receive either a private or shared room in a residential neighborhood home within a senior community.
All CarePatrol senior advisory services are available at no cost to you and come with our promise to help you find the best home for your needs.
Looking for Senior Care Options?
We'll find your perfect solution.
At no cost to you.
What are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Assisted living services provide numerous benefits for older adults who require some level of support with everyday activities but still desire to maintain a degree of independence. Here are some key advantages:
- Personal Care Services
Assisted living communities offer help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This support helps residents maintain their independence while ensuring they receive the necessary care. For those seeking a smaller, more intimate setting, board and care homes provide personal care and meals in a residential setting, catering to 20 or fewer residents. - Safety and Security
These residential care communities are designed with the safety of seniors in mind, featuring secure environments with staff available 24/7. Emergency call systems are usually in each resident’s living space, reducing the risks associated with living alone. For individuals whose care needs may evolve, a continuing care retirement community offers various levels of care, including assisted living, within one community. Additionally, the range of communities available, from assisted living to nursing homes, caters to different levels of care needs, ensuring safety and security for all residents. - Social Interaction
Assisted living communities often have a vibrant social environment, offering a variety of social events and group activities in a residential setting. This helps prevent the loneliness and isolation that can occur when seniors live alone. Most assisted living communities provide common amenities and services that foster social interaction and community engagement. - Nutrition and Meals
Residents typically receive up to three meals a day tailored to their dietary needs, all provided in one location. This ensures they are getting nutritious meals that contribute to their overall health and wellness. - Housekeeping and Maintenance
Assisted living communities provide housekeeping and maintenance services, relieving residents from the burdens of home upkeep and allowing them more time to enjoy activities and socializing. - Transportation Services
Most communities offer transportation, which is essential for seniors who no longer drive. This service helps residents get to medical appointments, shopping trips, and other errands. - Exercise and Wellness Programs
Many communities offer fitness centers or organize exercise classes tailored to senior needs, promoting physical health and mobility. - Medication Management
Staff assistance with medication ensures that residents take their prescribed medications correctly and on time, which is crucial for their health. - Less Stress for Families
Knowing that their loved one is cared for and safe reduces stress for family members and allows them to enjoy quality time with their elderly relatives without the pressures of caregiving.
Overall, the services offered in an assisted living communities offer a balanced solution for seniors who need assistance with daily activities but wish to retain as much independence as possible.
How is Assisted Living Different From Other Senior Living Options?
Assisted living is one of several senior living options, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s how assisted living compares with other types of senior care like nursing homes, memory care, and independent living:
- Medical Care: Assisted living communities typically offer basic personal care services and may include coverage for limited medical care. In contrast, nursing homes provide comprehensive medical care, including 24/7 nursing supervision, physical and speech therapy, and more intensive health management.
- Living Setting: Residents in many assisted living communities live in their own apartments, which may include kitchenettes, allowing for more independence. Nursing homes, however, often have rooms that resemble hospital settings and are more focused on medical care than residential comfort.
- Cost: The living costs in assisted living are generally lower compared to nursing homes due to the higher level of medical care provided in nursing homes. Costs in both settings can be offset by personal resources or long-term care insurance.
- Specialized Care: While many assisted living communities offer memory care units, dedicated memory care communities provide specialized services for individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments. These communities have structured environments and enhanced safety features to prevent wandering.
- Therapies and Services: Memory care facilities often include coverage for therapies that assist with cognitive conditions, unlike standard assisted living settings which focus more on helping residents with daily living activities.
- Social Services: Memory care also typically offers targeted social services designed to support cognitive health, whereas assisted living provides more general social activities.
- Level of Care: Independent living is suitable for seniors who can manage their daily activities without help. These communities focus on convenience and socialization but do not generally offer personal care services. Assisted living, however, provides support with everyday activities, medication management, and other personal care needs.
- Amenities: Both independent and assisted living settings might offer amenities such as meals, recreational activities, and housekeeping, but assisted living also includes access to medical and personal care.
- Cost: Since assisted living offers additional services, such as personal care and occasional medical services, the living costs are typically higher than those for independent living where residents mostly pay for the lifestyle and housing.
Services Provided by Local Assisted Living Communities Nationwide Can Include*:
- Medication Management
- Health Services
- Light or Full Housekeeping
- 24-Hour Security
- Laundry Service
- Wellness Programs
- Community Meal Service
- Outings/Events
- Social/Group Activities
- Transportation Arrangements
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
(Bathing, Toileting, etc.)
*Amenities, activities, and services vary by community.
Answers to the Most Common Questions About Assisted Living Nationwide
Assisted living can be an excellent option for many seniors.
The assisted living level of care is for seniors who could be frail but do not need 24-hour medical nursing care. They sometimes need help with activities such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring. The average assisted-living resident is 84 years old and needs help with two or three of the activities mentioned above.
Some seniors move into assisted living because living alone may not be safe for them due to the risk of falling, increased memory difficulty, or the risk of taking the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. Many times, moving into assisted living can help you avoid the need for a nursing home altogether.
Let Us Recommend an Assisted Living Community Nationwide
CarePatrol senior care advisory services are available at no cost to you and come with our promise to help you find the best home for your needs. Assisted living communities are for older adults who do not need 24-hour medical care and are able to get around independently. This is ideal for older adults who need help with daily activities like housekeeping, meals, dressing and medication reminders.
An older adult may move into assisted living because living alone is no longer a safe option, due to the fear of falling, increased memory challenges or the risk of missing a dose of medication. Residents generally have the option of a private or shared room located within a residential neighborhood home in a senior community. This form of hands-on care is the perfect solution for many seniors. To explore assisted living communities near you, contact a CarePatrol local senior care advisor.
Top 10 Signs it May be Time to Consider Assisted Living Nationwide
There is nothing better than allowing your loved ones to live their golden years in the comfort of their own home. However, knowing the difference between your parents “slipping a little” and showing cause for concern is important for their health and safety. CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisors are able to quickly assess your loved one’s situation and help you find the care they truly need.
Is it time to help your loved one find the care they need?
CarePatrol has 3,000+ positive reviews
across the nation from those we work with
"Kevin was there for us from beginning to end, answering our many questions and offering helpful suggestions and insights. He made this extremely difficult transition much more bearable for us. I highly recommend this service." - Angela
"The advisor was extremely helpful and caring during a difficult and emotional time for me. She helped me find a good safe place for my husband. In a situation where I couldn’t personally check out the facility because of the virus quarantine, I felt confident in her recommendation of the care facility I chose." - Terri
"Assisted living help with Bonnie was amazing. She helped set up video visits with my mother in the hospital and explained well her placement options. She talked with my wife and I at length and found my mother an excellent place for her new home." - Jeff M.D.