Assisted living provides long-term housing and care for seniors. It is ideal for seniors who need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs) but are interested in leading a social, active lifestyle. Keep in mind that both assisted living and board and care homes offer less care than nursing homes.
More like inclusive hotels for retirees, assisted living communities may offer the following:
- Suites with mini-kitchens, or larger apartments that allow couples to age together
- Help with laundry, housekeeping, and activities of daily living— such as bathing and grooming — that seniors may have difficulty with
- Restaurant-style dining, happy hours, and activitiesbased on resident interest
- Outings and transportation to local stores, theaters, and museums
It’s important to remember that assisted living communities often have health standards for admitting new residents. This means that for a resident to join, they’d perhaps have to be able to feed themselves independently or move from a bed to a wheelchair without assistance.
When is assisted living the right fit for a loved one?
Assisted living may be the right choice for seniors who:
- Need minor help from nursing staff or assistance taking medications but don’t require full-time medical care
- Are looking for new friends or social activities
- Want more amenities, activities, and recreational opportunities than what a board and care home would offer
- Are currently in good health but know they’ll need more help soon
- Need help with daily living activities, such as dressing and bathing
- Want a maintenance-free lifestyle without lawn care or home repairs
- Would prefer an active life but don’t have access to transportation
How much does assisted living cost?
The median cost of assisted living was $4,051 a month in the United States in 2019.
Assisted living costs depend on a number of factors, including:
- Size of apartment (studio or a one- or two-bedroom apartment)
- Types of services needed
- Amenities offered (More expensive communities might include beauty salons, massage therapy, or private dining.)
- The state in which the community is located (States in the Northeast usually are more expensive than those in the Midwest and Southeast.)
Assisted living communities often charge a flat rate that covers many basic services, with additional fees for special services.