| Most people want to live independently for as long as | | | | services as he or she needs. |
| possible instead of having to go to a nursing home or | | | | The more services an assisted living facility offers, |
| another type of institutional facility. Fortunately, it is | | | | the more expensive it will be. You and your loved |
| now possible for many elderly citizens to retain their | | | | one's doctor should assess her needs before you |
| independence and live on their own, knowing that | | | | even look at housing options so that you will know |
| help or needed services are close by. However, not | | | | what to look for. Some assisted living facilities offer |
| all assisted living facilities are created equally. For | | | | just a single room with no kitchen. This may be a |
| example, some offer apartments where the elderly | | | | room in a larger house where several residents are |
| can still live on their own but have use of services | | | | offered 24 hour supervision and meal preparation. |
| that they may need. | | | | Some assisted living facilities are actually high rise |
| The level of services assisted living facilities offer | | | | apartments where your loved one has access to |
| vary greatly. On the grand scale, there may be a | | | | services and can summon help quickly but will basically |
| community of apartments or small homes where | | | | live on their own. |
| there is a clubhouse with regularly scheduled activities. | | | | While it is important to thoroughly check out any |
| There may also be a pool and fitness room. | | | | assisted living facility you are interested in, assessing |
| Transportation may be provided as well as | | | | the needs of your loved one is one of the first steps |
| housecleaning services and meal preparation. Your | | | | you will need to take before you even start looking |
| loved one may be able to sign up for as many | | | | for a place. |