| Assisted living is a type of residence for seniors who | | | | there are not set dining times and residents can |
| may need help in managing certain basic daily living | | | | often choose what to eat and where to take their |
| activities such as cooking meals, bathing or dressing | | | | meals. Fitness classes and other recreational activities |
| themselves, doing laundry, or taking medications. As | | | | such as movie screenings or group activities are |
| opposed to a traditional nursing home, assisted living | | | | scheduled on a regular basis. Most communities |
| is for people who need some specific services or a | | | | provide transportation for residents to and from |
| basic level of supervised care but are otherwise free | | | | medical appointments, scheduled outings and |
| of serious mobility, mental or health-care issues. | | | | shopping. |
| Nursing homes are typically for elderly and disabled | | | | How Much Will it Cost? |
| people with serious, chronic conditions who require | | | | The cost of a facility will vary greatly depending on |
| intensive medical care from specially-trained, medical | | | | location, quality and number of services provided. |
| personnel. | | | | More often than not, seniors or their family members |
| Seniors in assisted living can maintain an active | | | | pay the cost of living in an assisted living residence, |
| lifestyle while their family members get the peace of | | | | although some facilities do offer financial assistance |
| mind of knowing that a caring, well-trained staff is | | | | programs. Medicare currently does not cover the |
| available should their family member need assistance. | | | | costs of this kind of care and few states are |
| What Services and Amenities Are Provided? | | | | authorized to utilize Medicaid waivers to help families |
| Many assisted living facilities resemble typical | | | | pay for care. |
| apartment communities. Most residents live in single | | | | Assisted living can be a great solution for people who |
| units where a staff member comes each day to help | | | | do not require the full services of a nursing home and |
| them with chores such as bathing and dressing. Staff | | | | offer a less expensive alternative to home health |
| members are present 24-hours a day to respond to | | | | care. They also allow seniors to cut down on the |
| emergencies and take care of resident's needs. | | | | expense and hassle of owning and maintaining a |
| The atmosphere at communities is generally relaxed | | | | home. |
| in terms of activities. Meals are provided but typically | | | | |