As our senior loved ones get older, it is important to make sure they are receiving the best care that fits their health and well-being. If your loved one is no longer able to stay safely at home, their care team may suggest moving to a long-term care facility. One type of long-term care facility is assisted living.

Here is more information about what assisted living is, who can benefit, and the services it provides.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a form of long-term care for those who need help with activities of daily living (ADL), but do not need skilled nursing care. Residents of assisted living facilities (ALF) experience independent living in their own apartment-style rooms while receiving the care they need from healthcare professionals.¹

Assisted living facilities have healthcare professionals such as LPNs, RNs, medication aides, social workers, housekeeping, and activities personnel who are staffed to ensure residents are receiving the support and services they need.²

Who Needs Assisted Living Care?

There are a few signs that your loved one could benefit from assisted living care. It is important to be aware of these indications so that your loved one receives proper care. Here are a few signs your loved one needs assisted living care:

• Difficulty with ADLs. For example, if your loved one has a hard time with simple activities such as dressing and bathing themselves, getting around, and making meals for themselves.
• Medication Management. If your loved one has difficulty remembering to take their medication on time, or if they need help administering the correct dose.
• Unsafe Home. For example, if your loved one has mobility challenges, having their bedroom on the second floor may not be the safest for them. Additionally, if their bathroom does not have grab bars or a walk-in shower, it may be hard to bathe themselves.³

Assisted Living Services

Many assisted living facilities provide daily services for their residents, such as:

• Daily meals
• Medication assistance
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Personal care
• Fun activities⁴

It is important to note that some assisted living facilities have memory care or skilled nursing facilities attached, should your senior loved one need an advanced level of care in the future.⁵

How to Find an Assisted Living Facility

If medical professionals determined that your loved one would benefit from assisted living, it is important that you find a facility that will be best suited to their needs. Here are some things to consider when looking for an assisted living facility.

• Needs. One of the first things to consider is whether the assisted living facility meets the care needs for your loved one.
• Call/Visit Facilities. Another important step is to call and visit prospective assisted living facilities when possible. This allows you to ask questions and learn more about the services they have to offer.
• Utilize Resources. Resources such as Eldercare Locator, LongTermCare, and Medicare’s Compare Tool help you find and compare assisted living facilities near you.⁶