Assisted Living


As individuals age, they may require greater assistance in their daily lives. Despite this, many people are still very capable and independent, and do not require the level of attention provided by nursing home care. Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) provide residents the assistance they need in a non-medical environment. This allows older people to remain independent, yet part of a community with similar concerns and needs.

Types of Long Term Care

There are various levels of long term care. Home care includes medical care, typically provided by nurses, which takes place in the client's home, since they are usually unable to go out. Adult care offers social interaction, meals, and activities at a center, and does not involve housing. Senior housing is usually a rental apartment adapted for seniors who no longer need the big house they were in, or the upkeep of which has become too burdensome. Assisted living facilities offer seniors additional help with bathing and dressing, but do not offer the 24 hour medical assistance of a nursing home.

Assisted Living Facilities

People living in assisted living facilities usually have their own apartment. Newer ALFs are self-contained with private bath, kitchen, bedroom, and living area. There are usually shared dining rooms and activity rooms. A typical resident is one who does not require the intensive care of a nursing home, but may enjoy the companionship of peers, and assistance with day to day activities. Many ALFs offer a wide range of activities that keep seniors busy, while also orchestrating opportunities for socializing. These aspects of ALF life can be very beneficial, and facilities do a good job of keeping different disabilities and needs in mind.

Not all ALFs offer the same services or private accommodations. Some may offer dormitory style living, with shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and central dining halls. While most assisted living facilities offer help with dressing, scheduling medications, and other day to day activities, not all run activity and social programs. Recently built facilities have concentrated on adapting designs to better accommodate disabled individuals using wheelchairs and walkers.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

In choosing a facility, you should first find out about the services provided, and if these will match the resident's needs. Staffing is the next concern, and depending upon how much geriatric care is required, you should find out if there are registered nurses or other nurses on duty, and if the staff is educated on medication safety, fall prevention, incontinence and skin care, and how to spot changes in illness. Also find out if any MDs or geriatric nurse practitioners are on duty to oversee the staff. Find out about the facilities care plans. A licensed practitioner should review the resident's medical history and medications, and evaluate their needs. It is also wise to find out about the facilities ties to other facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs, and how special care can be arranged for, should it be needed.

By Jerome Gaw           


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