Assisted Living

What is Assisted Living?

An ALF is neither a nursing home, which offers full medical care, nor an independent living center, which exists as a senior community with amenities but no services. Rather, assisted living is somewhere in the middle. In this type of home, seniors retain much of their independence. They are able to come and go as they please, with many residents even keeping their own transportation. Many resemble apartments or even houses. Where they differ is in the services provided.

Services Offered

While assisted living centers will usually help administer medication, most do not provide full medical care. Instead, they focus on personal care and basic living essentials such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Personal hygiene
• Cooking
• Feeding
• Household chores
• Laundry
• Transportation

In addition, most facilities also host social events and activities regularly.

Making the Decision

Before you set out to select a facility, you must first determine that assisted living will, in fact, suit your lifestyle. To decide, you have to take an honest look at yourself and your needs. Do you require full-time medical care? This is the most important consideration. While assisted living can be a great choice for seniors with memory problems or even mild Alzheimer's, it is not appropriate for someone needing around-the-clock care. The assisted living staff is simply not equipment to handle serious physical illnesses. ALFs can be wonderful options for seniors with limited mobility, as long as they are otherwise healthy.

If your own health, happiness, or well-being would be jeopardized by living alone, then assisted living is probably not the best option.

Cost is another important consideration. According to the 2006 Overview of Assisted Living, the national average expense for an ALF is $2,350 per month. While this is considerably less expensive than most full-care facilities, it is also much more than most seniors recive in Social Security benefits. Some private health insurance policies may reimburse a portion of the cost, but residents generally must pay the fees upfront.

You should also check with your state government, as some offer housing subsidies or Medicaid waivers to help cover assisted living costs.

Choosing a Facility

Once you have determined that you are a good candidate for an ALF, you are ready to find the facility that is right for you. Rather than shop on price alone, you must find a place that meets your unique needs. Ask the following questions:

• Are the employees warm and friendly?
• Does the facility allow the level of freedom and independence that I require?
• Is the facility licensed?
• Is the facility clean and hygenic?
• Do I have the privacy I desire?
• Does the facility offer adequate security?
• Is 24-hour emergency care available if needed?
• Is adequate safety equipment, including bathroom rails and wheelchair ramps, readily available?
• Does the management give me and my family a voice in developing the care plan?
• Does the facility offer all of the services that I need now? Does it offer services that I could realistically require in the near future?
• Can the facility accommodate special dietary needs?
• Are they willing to work with and communicate with my doctor?
• Does the facility offer activities that I enjoy?

For More Information

To find out more about ALFs, visit:

• The National Center for Assisted Living. This site offers information about ALFs, including tips for moving.
• Sunrise Senior Living. This popular facility has locations across the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
• Assisted Living Online. Start your search for a facility here.

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