It is focused on supporting those who need help with the activities of daily living in a residential environment that promotes dignity, choice and privacy. It is a cost-effective, compassionate combination of housing, personal care, supportive services and health care. Assisted living may be freestanding or found in a continuing care retirement community. Services typically offered include all meals, assistance with ADLS, 24-hour security, emergency call systems, transportation, laundry services, housekeeping and social and recreational activities. Assisted living operators are licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and in North Carolina as an Adult Care Home by the state Department of Facility Services.
Most communities now have some kind of assisted living services.
The children want their parents to be close to them as they age and need more care. Assisted living tends to be the preferred choice for both the children and the parents because of the residential, less institutional environment and the affordability of the services.