What is Assisted Living?

While assisted living centers have been available the United States for many years, the growth and availability of assisted living has had a dramatic increase since the early 1990s. Assisted living is a residential alternative that promotes maximum independence for each resident through a combination of supportive services and assistance. The definition of assisted living from one state to another may vary and so will the cost and types of service.

Assisted living centers vary in size, style and the optional services they may offer. Small family style living or the larger complex of units can be found in the United States. Some facilities are operated by nonprofit organizations, while others are proprietary. In addition, some facilities may be co-located or affiliated with a hospital or nursing facility.

An assisted living center is any institution, rest home, boarding home, place, building or agency that is maintained and operated to provide personal care and services which meet some need beyond basic provision of food, shelter and laundry in a free standing, physically separate facility which is not otherwise required to be licensed.

In general terms, an assisted living center is required to provide assistance with daily living activities, including eating, bathing, dressing and personal hygiene; three meals a day; supervision of self-administration of medications; laundry service including personal laundry; housekeeping; and 24 hour staffing.

Housing Highlights - Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are designed for individuals who cannot function in an independent living environment, but do not need nursing care on a daily basis. Assisted living communities usually offer help with bathing, dressing, meals, and housekeeping.

Assisted living residences are:

1. Housing environments which provide individualized health and personal care assistance in a home-like setting. The level of care available is between that provided in congregate housing (housing with meal service) and a skilled nursing facility. In these settings:
• Residents are semi-independent physically or mentally, or frail persons who need frequent assistance;
• Services offered include, personal care assistance, health care monitoring, limited health care services and/or the dispensing of medications;
• State licensing and regulation by state social welfare agencies is required.
2. Important because they promote independence by meeting residents' supportive needs while preventing inappropriate institutionalization.
3. Known by various other names. The most common are: personal care homes, sheltered housing, residential care, homes for adults, managed care, catered living, board and care, and domiciliary care.

Who Resides In Assisted Living Residences?

Assisted living housing is often deemed necessary when you have difficulty performing daily tasks and have no one to help you. Some indicators are:

• Needing help preparing meals, bathing, dressing, toileting, or taking medication
• Needing assistance with housekeeping chores or laundry
• Requiring some health care assistance or monitoring
• Needing transportation to doctors, shopping, and personal business
• Feeling frequently confused or experiencing memory problems