SeniorHousingNet
Kris Anderson
Assisted Living
As we age, certain tasks become increasingly difficult. What was once a simple morning routine may now take a painstakingly long time to complete. Or, moving throughout your home independently may begin to feel challenging, potentially leading to a dangerous fall. When these challenges become more frequent, many seniors and their families decide to look into senior residential care.
Challenges
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are designed for adults who need help performing one or more of the activities of daily living (ADLs), which includes bathing, grooming, dressing, or a helping hand managing medications. Although these communities have staff on-site 24 hours a day, skilled medical care is not regularly provided to residents.
Community
A very assisted living community has a unique personality and offers different services and amenities. Some are more upscale and formal, while others have a casual, relaxed environment. The variation of assisted living residences means that most seniors are able to find a community that meets their needs and budget. Assisted living residents do have access to personal care assistance and assistance with ADLs at all hours of the day and night, and communities may have visiting medical personnel come to the facility regularly or provide residents with transportation to doctors’ appointments.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Assisted Living?
While no two people or assisted living communities are the same, there are certain benefits that one can expect to experience upon transitioning to an ALF. From wellness programs to a thoughtfully-designed environment, here’s how assisted living communities help older adults live their best quality of life.
Who Is a Good Fit for Assisted Living?
Assisted living is best suited for those who need assistance with some of their ADLs, but can still perform some actions independently. It’s also a great environment for social seniors who want to make new friends and enjoy their community and its activities with their neighbors. If you or your loved one possess one or more of the following characteristics, you’re likely a good fit for assisted living.
Who Should Consider a Different Type of Senior Living?
Assisted living communities can personalize care to each individual, offering each resident with the level of care that they specifically need. Still, assisted living is not the right fit for anyone. Some seniors simply need more care than can be offered in an ALF, while others will have no need for the services that assisted living communities all provide. Seniors who fall into the following categories should look into other types of senior living communities.
What Are Typical Assisted Living Services and Amenities?
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What is the Average Cost of Assisted Living?
The average monthly cost of assisted living in the United States is $4,051. This number can vary dramatically depending on the state and city in which you live, so be sure to check costs in your area at the beginning of your search for a community.
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How Do I Choose an Assisted Living Facility?
With thousands of assisted living communities in the country to choose from, deciding which one to move into or for your loved one to live in can be quite challenging. The below section will help you learn what factors to focus on in your search to make your selection process less stressful and more efficient.