| * An assisted-living community provides communal | | | | independent living community and a skilled nursing |
| living, often with planned activities, housekeeping and | | | | facility in terms of the level of care provided. If the |
| laundry, transportation, meals, exercise and wellness | | | | person in your care is beginning to need help with the |
| programs, opportunities to socialize with other | | | | basic activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, |
| residents, assistance with activities of daily living, and | | | | grooming, walking, managing medications, toileting, |
| some medical care. | | | | and eating) -- or expects to need that help down the |
| * An assisted-living community could be an apartment | | | | line -- she may find this support at a good |
| building, a campus-like setting, or even a large | | | | assisted-living community. |
| converted house. According to the Assisted Living | | | | If an older adult has a serious medical condition that |
| Federation of America (ALFA), most have between | | | | requires specialized care, assisted living may not be |
| 24 and 120 units that vary in size from a single room | | | | the right choice, although some assisted-living |
| to a full apartment. Residents generally have a lot of | | | | communities do have specialized wings that provide |
| freedom in terms of what they do and when they | | | | skilled nursing or Alzheimer's care. |
| do it, but they should also get plenty of support | | | | How can we find a good assisted living community? |
| from trained caregivers. | | | | has a searchable nationwide database of senior |
| * Assisted living is regulated (and defined) by each | | | | communities of all types, included assisted living. |
| state rather than by the federal government, so you | | | | Your local Area Agency on Aging can also help you |
| can expect a wide variation in what each community | | | | find communities in your area, and your state or |
| offers. Make sure you know exactly what the one | | | | regional long-term care ombudsman may also be able |
| you've selected provides before the person in your | | | | to help. You can also consult with an expert in |
| care moves in. | | | | transitioning, such as a geriatric care manager or a |
| Who's a good candidate for an assisted-living | | | | senior move manager, who will be familiar with |
| community? | | | | communities in your area. |
| Assisted living falls somewhere between an | | | | |