What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities provide care to ensure that residents remain healthy and safe while enabling them to retain as much independence as possible. This care may include:
- Assistance with ADLs such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and eating
- Medication management or assistance with self-administered medications
- Basic medical assistance
Other Assisted Living Services
In addition to the care described above, most ALFs also provide the following services:
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
- Laundry and linen services
- Transportation
- Interior and exterior maintenance
Common Assisted Living Facility Amenities
Assisted living facilities are designed to be social communities, so most offer extra amenities that promote social interaction and enhance residents’ quality of life. Some common amenities you may find in an ALF include:
- Fitness room
- Courtyard and/or garden area
- Walking paths
- Coffee shop, bistro, and/or cafe
- Private dining room for special events
- Concierge services (package drop-off and pick-up, dry cleaning, etc.)
- Religious groups and services
- Library
- Beauty salon and/or barbershop
- Guest suite and guest parking
Seniors Who Should Consider Assisted Living:
Seniors who need some daily assistance
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need some help with their day-to-day tasks and would like to retain some of their independence. ALFs are structured so that residents can get the assistance that they need with ADLs but can still live as independently as possible. Because seniors can continue to live independently if they wish, ALFs may be an appealing option for seniors who have been resistant to moving to a long-term care facility in the past.
Seniors who live alone and would like a community of other older
adults
Seniors who live alone in their own homes may feel isolated or lonely. Moving to an ALF provides a built-in community of others in the same life stage, plus the security of assistance and support from staff.
Seniors who are ready for a stress-free lifestyle
Assisted living facilities provide peace of mind that help is just a call away when daily tasks become too difficult to manage independently. Additionally, most offer housekeeping and linen services for residents’ apartments and interior and exterior building maintenance.
Evaluating Assisted Living Facilities
Activities and Socialization
One of the reasons that many seniors choose to live in an ALF is the opportunity to socialize with other residents of the community. If this is important to you or your loved one, be on the lookout for a facility with an active community and a regularly updated calendar of activities.
Transitioning from one’s home to a residential care facility can be an emotional experience for both a senior and their loved ones. Because ALFs employs a team of caregivers, family members will no longer be responsible for the bulk of their loved one’s care.
There are many benefits to choosing assisted living such as socialization, safety, meals, transportation, and less worry for the family. While assisted living isn’t the answer to every elder’s needs or budget, it is an option that can contribute to a healthier, happier, and longer life in the elder years.
