Assisted Senior Living

Is it right for you?

As you age, you’ll have plenty of things to consider, like health care, finances, and even where you’ll live. If you’re looking for a solution that takes all three into account, consider senior housing.

There are several different senior housing options, all with their own features and amenities. No matter who you are or what your needs look like now (or what they will look like), there’s a senior living community for you!

One of the most common forms of senior living is assisted living. Here, you can find out what assisted senior living looks like, who it’s right for, and what to expect from an assisted living facility.

What is Assisted Senior Living?

Assisted senior living is a type of retirement community that offers supportive care for seniors with specific needs in order to extend their independence and improve their quality of life.

They are most often large buildings or a complex of buildings with apartments or rooms designed for seniors’ safety and comfort. There are typically common areas, a community dining room, and a schedule of daily activities.

Elderly Man with Son and Grandson

Comparing Senior Care Options

Keep in mind that assisted senior living care communities are not nursing homes. Nursing homes offer daily skilled nursing care that assisted living facilities do not from on-site RNs and therapists. As such, nursing care homes are considered a step up medically from assisted senior living.

Retirement Homes

Retirement homes are typically the step between independent living and assisted living; most residents are independent but still want the connection and peace of mind that comes with living in a senior community.

Assisted Senior Living

Assisted senior living may also not be right for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, depending on their condition. These individuals often have different care needs and do best in a memory care unit that has been specifically designed for their care.

Some senior care facilities offer both assisted living and memory care; these are called continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). This form of residential care lets seniors age in place, meaning you or your family member will not need to move facilities as needs change.

Who Lives in Assisted Living?

Assisted living isn’t right for everyone. Different senior living options have different levels of care. Assisted senior living is a form of long-term care that caters to seniors who a) need assistance with essential daily activities and b) who also value their independence.

If you or your loved one need assistance or support with the activities of daily living (ADLs), they may do well in assisted senior living. Some of these activities include dressing, showering, toileting, eating, and moving around the house. More difficult activities, called the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), include cooking, shopping, medication management, and more; assisted living offers assistance with these activities as well.

While people of all ages may need assisted living, assisted senior living is age restricted, with the minimum age often ranging from 55 to 65.

If you or your loved one don’t require personalized care services but still want to live in a community of like-minded, active older adults, independent living may be the answer you’re looking for. Click the button below for more information.

Assisted Senior Living Services and Amenities

Most assisted senior living facilities offer the same basic services and level of care, but other amenities vary by location. The most common services and amenities include:

  • Assistance with personal care and other activities of daily living
  • Three daily meals (often in a restaurant-style dining room)
  • Housekeeping and laundry services
  • Daily social activities
  • Health and exercise programs
  • Transportation services
  • Health care center for first aid and medication management
  • Access to skilled medical services
  • 24-hour security and supervision

Other care facilities may offer some or all of the following:

  • Variable floor plans (Shared rooms, private rooms, one-bedroom apartments, and more)
  • Pet-friendly rooms or areas
  • Indoor or outdoor pool
  • Spiritual and religious services
  • Library
  • Golf course
  • Walking trails
  • Technology room or computer lab

Average Costs of Assisted Senior Living

The costs of assisted senior living can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including your location, which floor plan you select, and which health care services and amenities are available.

Some assisted living facilities require an entrance fee in addition to a monthly charge, while others operate solely on a month-to-month basis. Facilities that charge an entry fee sometimes hold this entry fee to pay for more comprehensive medical care should that become necessary.

According to caregiving financial company, Genworth, in 2018 the average monthly cost for assisted living in the US was $4,000. This is based on average monthly rates for a private, one bedroom.

Still not sure if Assisted Living is the right choice?

Contact Caring Advisor today to get help in your journey.

Get Help