At some point in their later years, most older adults will need some type of senior care. Health challenges such as reduced mobility, complicated medication schedules, and reduced vision can make it unsafe for the adult to continue to live independently. While many people immediately think of nursing homes when they think of residential care for seniors, assisted living can be a better option for seniors who need some assistance in their day-to-day lives but do not need regular medical care.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of residential care for older adults who need help with normal daily activities. Seniors in assisted living receive personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting as needed so that they’re able to live as independently as possible.  A look around a typical assisted living community will reveal something far different from the clinical setting many imagine when they hear the words “retirement home.” While each community is different, assisted living facilities in the U.S. today typically offer a wide range of convenient services, comforts, amenities, and enriching activities to ensure residents get the help and care they need, in a setting they can call “home.”

Assisted Living Communities vs Nursing Homes

People often confuse assisted living facilities for nursing homes, but the two senior care options are very different. The key difference: assisted living communities provide personal care and assistance with ADLs for residents who need help with these activities but do not require skilled nursing care, while nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled care and medical support. For example, a nursing home would be a good fit for someone who needs a feeding tube, while assisted living would not.

Another big distinction is the types of services and amenities offered. Assisted living communities typically offer a wider range of social activities and outings and have a less institutional, more communal feel than nursing homes. And while nursing homes tend to be more expensive than ALFs, Medicaid and Medicare can be used to cover skilled nursing home costs, which is rarely the case for assisted living.

If this is something that you are looking into for your parents or to learn more about it, for your own future when the time comes, please visit www.assistedliving.org as they have all the available information neeed for all asissted living facilities around the USA.