She is having difficulty getting around because of her arthritis and is cut off from her friends and activities. She refuses to consider a nursing home. Assisted living, by any name, provides care for elders who need help with daily activities but want to retain as much independence as possible. Assisted living facilities are a middle ground between independent living and nursing home care. Assisted living facilities attract people who require help in activities of daily living but do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home.
Residents can choose the level of care they require and define their own lifestyle needs.
Most facilities provide housing and personalized support services to meet the daily needs of residents. The staff of ALFs generally encourage the involvement of residents and their families, neighbors, and friends in planning programs and creating a supportive environment. Since the 1980s, thousands of assisted living facilities have sprung up in response to the need for a place where elderly and disabled people can receive care but retain their independence. Residences might be provided in a large house in a community, in a newly built free-standing structure, or in connection with independent apartments or a nursing home. Although services vary greatly, residents typically enjoy their own room or apartment, three meals per day, assistance with personal care, laundry service, transportation and medical supervision.