Services received in the home can be health care or personal care services through a home care agency, family member or friend. These services can be medical or non-medical and can include assistance with shopping, meals and companion care. Assisted Living is a philosophy that offers care and is an alternative to nursing home care. Accommodations for Assisted Living are typically an apartment with private bath and kitchenette for individuals or couples, one or both of which may need help with activities of daily living. These residential settings sometimes have as many as three of four levels of care.
Residents are able to furnish and decorate the apartment to their liking.
Services include two or three meals per day served in a common dining room, assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping services and help with ambulating. Medication is dispensed as needed, or medication reminders, and exercise programs are available. There is twenty-four hour security and a staff on call at all times. Daily room and board fees include laundry, utilities and social and recreational services as well as transportation and housekeeping services. Residents in these facilities choose to remain independent as long as possible to protect their families from the burden of care giving.