What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a residential option for older adults who need help with some of the activities of daily living—things like cooking meals, getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night, keeping house, and traveling to appointments. An assisted living facility may be a good choice if you need more personal care services than you can get at home or in an independent living or retirement community, but you don’t need the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home.

Assisted living facilities offer the safety and security of 24-hour support and access to care. Day or night, help is only a phone call away. However, privacy and independence are encouraged. A good facility will develop a personalized plan that meets your needs and accommodates your disabilities, while giving you the freedom to do what you can for yourself.

In general, assisted living is in a residential type facility, ranging from converted homes or apartment complexes to renovated schools. Some provide apartment-style living with scaled down kitchens, while others provide just bedrooms. In some, you may even need to share a room unless you’re willing to pay a higher cost. Most facilities have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities.

Whatever your circumstances, making the decision to leave your home can be difficult. But by taking time to explore your options and being honest about your needs and concerns, you can make a choice that ensures your senior years are happy and fulfilling.

Other common names for assisted living

• Residential care

• Board and care

• Congregate care

• Adult care home

• Adult group home

• Alternative care facility

• Sheltered housing

• Extra-care housing

Services at a typical assisted living facility include:

Three meals a day served in a common dining area. Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, and walking. Housekeeping services. Transportation. Access to health and medical services. Round-the-clock security.

Emergency call systems in each resident’s living space. Exercise and wellness programs. Medication management. Laundry services. Social and recreational activities. Staff available to help with scheduled needs, as well as unexpected issues.