Assisted living is a residential community that offers both professional assistance and an independent lifestyle, giving seniors the ability to enjoy everyday life with the addition of safety and necessary care. In an assisted living community, seniors are able to continue many of the daily activities they enjoy most, as well as have their specific needs met on a consistent basis. Senior needs may include the preparation or feeding of meals, dressing, bathing, administering medication, personal mobility, and transportation.
Depending on the specific community, you can find a wide range of amenities, including exercise and recreational programs, community events, security, and social events. The majority of assisted living communities also offer optional services that may be added at an extra cost (in addition to standard fees), such as housekeeping, health services, exercise programs, laundry services, and more.
Most assisted living communities are made up of private units, which may range from single rooms to full-sized apartments. A single community can contain anywhere from 25 to 100 or more units, which may be arranged in a single building or several smaller, subdivided houses. Some communities even permit the residents to bring their pets, and many include outdoor areas. Staff provides customized support for residents as needed, most commonly focusing on medication management, meal prep, transportation, dressing, and bathing.