ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS
What are Assisted Living Centers?
Assisted living centers, more commonly referred to as assisted living facilities, are long-term residences for seniors who need help with some limited daily tasks; this allows seniors to receive the help and care they need while still maintaining an independent lifestyle. These daily activities might include cooking and meal preparation, bathing, dressing, household chores, ambulating, and the monitoring or regulating of medications. This level of care is ideal for seniors who might have some issues with memory, periods of confusion, or limited range of physical activity.
Typical assisted living facilities whether large or small, generally include the following: apartments or living spaces; a dining room, common areas and activity rooms; and sometimes even a medical center and/or outdoor recreation areas. Services provided by the facility include cooking and meal preparation, bathing, dressing, household chores, ambulating, and the monitoring or regulating of medications. The facilities also generally provide some or all the following: transportation; laundry and housekeeping services; recreational activities; and 24 hour support and supervision for residents. Some specialized facilities provide services which incorporate care for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, hospice, or interim care.1 Also, assisted living facilities can sometimes be part of larger retirement communities that include both independent living and nursing home properties in order to simplify continuing care as needs change.
In general, assisted living facilities will create an individualized service plan for each resident so every person receives exactly the services he or she needs while still being able to maintain his or her current lifestyle. The services and level of care available can vary depending on the location, as this part of the healthcare sector is not entirely regulated by the federal government and each state sets its own licensing requirements, regulations and inspection procedures.
