What is Assisted Living?

The Assisted Living Federation of America defines assisted living as a long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed. Assisted living is designed for individuals who require assistance with everyday activities such as meals, medication management or assistance, bathing, dressing and transportation. Some residents may have memory disorders including Alzheimer's, or they may need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges. Residents are assessed upon move in, or any time there is a change in condition. The assessment is used to develop an Individualized Service Plan.

Assisted Living Today — A Brief Overview of Senior Living Care

Assisted living is a residential alternative to nursing home care. There are 36,000+ assisted living communities nationwide serving more than one million seniors. A relatively new concept twenty-five years ago, today assisted living is the most preferred and fastest growing long-term care option for seniors. 

Assisted living is regulated in all 50 states. Based on the varied preferences and needs of the elderly, there are a variety of settings from which to choose. These choices range from high-rise buildings to one-story Victorian mansions to large multi-acre campuses. All settings offer 24-hour care and supervision for those who need assistance. Care is provided with dignity and respect. 

While the majority of assisted living residents today -86.2%- pay from their personal financial resources, 41 states offer "home and community-based waivers" that allow low-income residents to live in assisted living. Also, more seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs. 

While many of today's baby boomers are primarily concerned with finding the right assisted living community for their aging parents and relatives, these 74 million boomers will be the next generation of assisted living residents. Innovations in technology and research will improve the existing model in years to come.

Philosophy

The philosophy of assisted living is to provide personalized, resident centered care in order to meet individual preferences and needs. Assisted living treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy and encourages independence and freedom of choice. Residents'  family members and friends are encouraged to get involved in the assisted living community. Learn about the Care Provider Philosophy.

Is Assisted Living Regulated?

Assisted living is regulated in all 50 states.  State regulations generally address the mandatory services a senior living residence must provide. All settings offer 24-hour care and supervision for those who need assistance. Care is provided with dignity and respect.

Freedom of Choice

The most progressive state regulations take cues from consumers and focus on protecting consumers in a way that provides the most choice and independence possible. The Assisted Living Federation of America supports certain core principles that should be included in every state's assisted living legislative or regulatory framework.

Typical Services Offered:

Assisted living communities provide more personal care services than an independent living retirement community. They offer a less-expensive, residential approach to delivering many of the same services available in skilled nursing, either by employing personal care staff or contracting with home health agencies and other outside professionals.

Amenities in assisted living typically include:

• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• 24-hour security
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities

Personal care in assisted living typically includes:

• Staff available to respond to both scheduled and unscheduled needs
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
• Access to health and medical services, such as physical therapy and hospice
• Emergency call systems for each resident’s apartment
• Medication management
• Care for residents with cognitive impairments

Based on the varied preferences and needs of the elderly, there are a variety of settings from which to choose. These choices range from high-rise buildings to one-story Victorian mansions to large multi-acre campuses. Learn more about Assisted Living Services and Amenities.

What is the Cost of Assisted Living?

Costs vary with the residence, apartment size, and types of services needed. The basic rate may cover all services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most assisted living residences charge on a month-to-month lease arrangement, but a few require long-term arrangements. Assisted living is of often less expensive than home health or nursing home care in the same geographic area.

The median rate for a private one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living residence is $2,575 per month, according to research compiled by several nonprofit senior living organizations, including the Assisted Living Federation of America. The median is the midpoint, which means half of residences participating in the research have lower fees and half have higher fees.

Learn more about financial assistance for assisted living care, and how to assess the costs.

Finding a Senior Living Community Thats Right for You!

Before you start your search for senior living options, ask yourself  key questions about what you are looking for, what you need to know, what your ideal outcome would be a year after move-in, how you will the cost of living in a senior living community, and how you will make the distinction between price and value!? Follow this Nine Point Program to find the community that's right for you.