Assisted Living - A Brief History and Definition

Assisted living residences are sometimes referred toservices, and need.
as assisted living facilities (ALFs). They supervise orThere is no nationally recognized definition of assisted
assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). In addition,living. Assisted Living facilities are regulated and
the residence frequently coordinates with third partylicensed at the state level. More than two-thirds of
healthcare and service providers on the resident'sthe states use the licensure term "assisted living."
behalf.Other terms intended to relay this same level of care
Examples of assistance might include theinclude Residential Care Home, Assisted Care Living
administration or supervision of prescribed medication,Facilities, and Personal Care Homes. Each state
or personal care services provided by a trained stafflicensing agency has its own definition of the term it
person or outside service provider.uses to describe assisted living.
Assisted living emerged in the 1990's as the nextWhen performing preliminary research or trying to
step of continuing care for people who cannot livefind a retirement home online, the search term
independently in a private residence, but who also do"assisted living" is generally accepted and will yield
not require the 24-hour medical care provided by asignificant results from both the search engines and
nursing home. Many senior living providers promotethe senior living community. Remember to be aware
the Assisted Living designation as a philosophy ofof the fact that the term may be generally
care and services that foster independence andaccepted, but the definition and service restrictions
dignity. The costs associated with this enhanced levelmay vary significantly.
of care can vary widely based on geography,