A living arrangement in which people with special needs, especially older people with disabilities, reside in a facility that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and taking medication. Other terms include residential care, board and care, group homes, or community-based residential facilities. People who may need support with personal care and daily activities, such as meal preparation, but don’t need the medical care of a nursing home may be well-suited for senior assisted living facilities. These facilities are best for those who have moderate functional impairment but can care for themselves with some assistance and move around safely without help. Most assisted living communities offer individualized care on a need basis and have a nurse on call 24 hours a day. Elderly assisted living communities come in a wide variety of sizes and building styles, ranging from senior living apartment buildings to converted homes. They can be free-standing or part of a large property which includes senior independent living and/or skilled nursing. Some facilities provide apartment-style living with scaled-down kitchens, while others provide rooms. Most facilities have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities. Assisted living concepts may be a good choice if:
- You need more personal care services than are feasible at home or in an independent living retirement community.
- You don’t need the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home.
- Assistance with meal planning, medication, dressing, mobility, hygiene, and toileting is needed.
