These include personal care services in the form of assistance with activities of daily living such as:. In addition to personal care, just about every assisted living community in the country offers the following services:. Assisted living communities today are not the retirement homes of yesteryear. Many offer a wide range of amenities to ensure their residents are comfortable and entertained. Every community is different, and some assisted living communities offer more basic amenities that cover the essentials while other facilities can resemble a high-end resort.
The below table provides more in-depth explanations of common offerings at assisted living facilities today. The decision to help an aging adult move out of a current home is a complex one- both emotionally and practically. Above all, you want the person to be safe and well. Although every situation is different, the following signs are some key indicators that it may be time for a senior to transition to an ALF. This is often the most challenging part — finding a community for your loved one that feels like home.
Today, most communities offer high-quality virtual tours as well, which are particularly useful when in-person tours are not possible or safe. The main advantage of an in-person tour is that you can see and converse with current residents about their experiences.
Still, virtual tours can provide you with an inside look at a community and give you more of a sense of it than just looking at pictures alone. You can start your search for an assisted living community by entering your city or zip code at the top of this page. A Family Advisor can provide you with personal, one-on-one guidance to help you find the right assisted living community for your family.
Assisted living helps with personal care and completing the activities of daily living. It can also help with isolation and loneliness, weight loss or improper nutrition, safety and emergency care, and overall health and wellness for seniors.
Seniors with these conditions should seek higher levels of care, like skilled nursing and memory care services. Someone is a good candidate for assisted living when they need help with the basic activities of daily living bathing, dressing, grooming, walking, managing medications, toileting, and eating , or expects to need that help in the near future.
Room and board and personal care services are usually included in assisted living. Most communities also provide residents with prepared meals, individualized care plans, first-aid care and medication management, and sometimes extras like transportation and fitness programs included in the monthly cost. The main difference between assisted living and a nursing home is that nursing homes provide skilled medical care and rehabilitation services, while assisted living does not offer skilled medical care.
Assisted living is intended for people who do not need this skilled care, but do need some assistance with personal care and the activities of daily living. Both assisted living and nursing homes are a type of long-term residential care for seniors. In general, it is time for assisted living when a senior can no longer perform the activities of daily living independently.
Insurance sometimes pays for assisted living. Original Medicare Medicare parts A and B does not cover any portion of assisted living costs, though some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans may.
In many states, Medicaid or an associated waiver program will help pay for assisted living. Additionally, those with long-term care insurance oftentimes have coverage for assisted living. What Is Assisted Living? Assisted Living Communities vs. Nursing Homes People often confuse assisted living facilities for nursing homes, but the two senior care options are very different.
Independent Living Independent living facilities offer residential, community living with many of the same amenities that one would find in an ALF. In-Home Care The biggest differences between assisted living care and in-home care are the most obvious- in assisted living, residents live in a community of other adults receiving care, while in-home care takes place in an individual home.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living When looking for financial assistance for long-term care, many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover assisted living. Medicaid: In most states, Medicaid provides some financial assistance for assisted living for seniors who qualify. Waiver programs provide expanded coverage from standard Medicaid, and HCBS waivers are specifically intended to give seniors more choice when it comes to long-term care rather than defaulting to a nursing home.
Life Insurance: One typically purchases a life insurance policy to benefit their loved ones after the policyholder passes. Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance policies specifically cover some of the costs of long-term care such as assisted living. These policies may not cover all forms of long-term care, so be sure to look into the specifics.
It can be challenging to be approved for a long-term care insurance policy after reaching a certain age, so this option is typically only available to those who already have a policy before the need for assisted living arises. ALF do not provide the 24 hour care level one would find at a nursing home, but all have a Wellness Director RN and a staff of non-medical home health aides to help you with activities of daily living.
Previously, the majority of people with memory problems were relegated to a nursing home. The advantages of living in ALF are many: an ALF enable residents to reside in private rooms or apartments; there are social activities as trips, events and concerts as well as on-site amenities such as salons, cafes and fitness programs; the ALF are about half the price of a nursing home. So even if you meet the Medical Assessment requirement, you still have to go to a Nursing home. On the other hand, Nursing Homes, will allow you, if you financially qualify, to become a Medicaid patient at admission.
Independent living is for older adults who can live on their own, but may desire convenience, community, and peace of mind. Independent living communities provide many on-site opportunities for community involvement and social engagement without the difficulty of arranging transportation.
It also offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, where seniors can choose to delegate household chores like laundry and housekeeping, so they can spend more time pursuing their passions. Home care offers care for seniors who wish to age in place, and provides support and respite for caregivers. Home care aides are trained in senior care and can provide companionship, help with ADLs, light housekeeping, cooking, transportation, and more.
However, home care differs from assisted living when it comes to socialization, intellectual stimulation, and cost. Caring for an aging loved one at home may also require modifications to make their home safe and accessible. These could include simple additions such as grab bars, to more costly and difficult updates, including ramps, wider doorways, chair lifts, walk-in showers, and elevators.
Assisted living offers a social, active, and maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults who need some help with daily tasks. Assisted living residents receive the care they need while maintaining independence in a vibrant community that offers many opportunities to stay engaged.
Seniors have different needs as they age. Some may simply need medication reminders and prepared meals, while others may require help with bathing, dressing, or other daily activities.
During this time, assisted living staff meet with the senior and their family to discuss any health conditions and assess fine motor skills, mobility, and cognition. This important step allows staff to determine the level of care a senior requires so they can develop a personalized care plan.
Care coordination is an important service offered at assisted living facilities. Assisted living staff maintain strong relationships with area physicians and other health care providers to ensure residents receive the care they need. Care coordination at assisted living facilities may include:. Safety is often a concern for families of aging adults who live on their own.
Seniors in assisted living can expect a safe environment with controlled access and security protocols. Assisted living facilities have staff available 24 hours a day in case residents need help.
Communities may have alert systems that allow residents to quickly get emergency help with a push of a button. Security systems may include cameras in common areas or motion sensors in private apartments to detect falls, a major health risk for elderly adults. Nearly three million older adults go to the emergency room each year because of fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.
Falls may lead to serious head or hip injuries. Assisted living facilities assess seniors for fall risks before they move in and continue to evaluate residents periodically and as their health conditions change.
A maintenance-free lifestyle is a key benefit of assisted living. Aging adults who struggle to keep up with cooking, housework, and home maintenance will find the support they need at an assisted living facility.
Instead of spending time on burdensome chores, many seniors find they can pursue their interests and enjoy life more fully at an assisted living facility. Seniors in assisted living can expect:. Assisted living facilities understand that good nutrition is an important part of overall health.
This is why assisted living meals are far from bland or boring. In fact, residents enjoy restaurant-style meals that include fresh, flavorful ingredients and fit their dietary preferences and needs. For example, communities may tailor menus to cater to the health needs of seniors with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure , or dysphagia.
Some assisted living facilities may also offer vegetarian or Kosher-style menus. Aging seniors who live on their own may lose interest in food. While some health conditions may lead to appetite loss , loneliness, or even a lack of energy to cook may also be factors, especially for those cooking for one.
Dining at an assisted living facility can be a social experience for those who enjoy sharing good conversation over meals. Facilities offer communal dining, making meal-time a fun and comforting part of the assisted living lifestyle. Seniors gather in a dining room to share meals, talk about their day, and make meaningful connections. Having someone to share a meal with often encourages seniors to eat better and make healthier food choices. Many communities also offer in-room dining for residents who prefer a quiet dinner.
But did you know that social isolation can actually harm both mental and physical health? Nearly Census Bureau. Changes in family dynamics — such as divorce or the loss of loved ones — chronic illness, hearing loss, poor mobility, and lack of adequate transportation are just a few of the reasons seniors may feel isolated.
Loneliness can lead to habits that negatively affect health, like smoking, excessive drinking, and poor nutrition. Assisted living offers plenty of opportunities for seniors to stay physically active, learn new skills, and engage with like-minded friends and peers.
Enrichment programs and activities at assisted living facilities appeal to all kinds of interests, including sports, music, crafts, religious and spiritual practices, and more. While programs and activities vary from one community to the next, many assisted living facilities offer a wide range of options that allow residents with different levels of cognitive and physical skills to participate and feel included.
Assisted living facilities offer a variety of room sizes and floor plans. Room options vary from one community to the next, but many facilities offer studios, one-, two-, and even three-bedroom apartments. Seniors may choose the accommodation type that best fits their needs, budget, and lifestyle. Assisted living apartments are often furnished for convenience, but facilities usually allow residents to bring personal furniture and items as desired.
Accommodations are designed for senior safety with accessibility features, such as grab bars in tubs and showers, non-slip flooring, and wide doors for seniors who need a wheelchair or walker.
Assisted living apartments usually include a private bathroom, and some may feature a kitchenette for seniors who enjoy cooking and can do so safely. Many facilities allow couples to live in the same apartment. In some cases, seniors with different care needs may not live together. In this case, the senior with memory loss may live in a nearby memory care wing. Their spouse can conveniently join them for meals and activities. Seniors moving to assisted living may also be able to bring their beloved pets.
Seniors who wish to bring their furry companions to assisted living should ask about:. Assisted living is for older adults who need some help with personal care. Common health conditions among assisted living residents include high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and early dementia. However, assisted living facilities also welcome aging men , and provide plenty of opportunities to engage seniors regardless of gender.
Assisted living may be the right choice for your aging loved one if they:. While each facility has their own admission process, most will:. As you call or visit, pay attention to signs that your aging relative may need help. A decline in cognition — the ability to think clearly, learn new skills, and remember — may lead to unsafe and sometimes life-threatening behaviors.
When visiting a parent, look for signs of cognitive impairment:. For example, you may notice your parent has unintentionally lost weight quickly. Sudden weight loss in seniors could be a sign of a serious medical problem, but it may also signal depression, cognitive problems, or behavioral changes that impede good nutrition, like limited mobility or financial constraints. Find Assisted Living Near You. About Care Homes Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
More about care homes. Featured Cities for Care Homes. Veterans Resources VA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care. Guide to VA benefits for long-term care. More About Veterans Benefits. About Home Care Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
More about home care. Featured Cities for Home Care. About Independent Living Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Complete guide to independent living. Featured Cities for Independent Living. Complete guide to memory care. Featured Cities for Memory Care. About Nursing Homes Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require hour nursing and personal care.
Complete guide to nursing homes. Featured Cities for Nursing Homes. About Senior Apartments Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own. More about senior apartments. Featured Cities for Senior Apartments.
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