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Senior Resources » Assisted Living

Assisted Living

Senior woman sitting in a wheelchair in assisted living, talking with a smiling nurse

Are you finding it increasingly challenging to live alone? Do you long for a sense of community and support? If so, making the move to an assisted living community might be the perfect solution. These communities offer a wide array of services to cater to your needs, such as meals, housekeeping, and medication management. But what sets them apart is the opportunity for social engagement and the creation of a vibrant community for residents.

What is Assisted Living?

therapy dog with man in a wheelchair in assisted living facility

Assisted living facilities are specifically designed for older adults and seniors who lead active lives but may require assistance with medical and personal care. The living spaces within these facilities range from apartments to individual rooms or units, with shared common areas where residents can come together and socialize. The philosophy behind assisted living is based on a social model of care, where residents are encouraged to maintain their independence while receiving the necessary support from trained staff members.

Who is Assisted Living for?

seniors in an assisted living facility game room engaging in various games and conversations

It’s estimated that in the US over 810,000 people currently reside in assisted living facilities. This generally includes adults who need help with personal care or are exhibiting signs of declining health that do not require 24-hour management. Many residents have difficulties with motor skills or balance, while others might be minorly impaired in differing ways. Over half of all assisted living residents are aged 85 years or older, though many establishments will accommodate adults of any age who are living with some sort of disability. It is also common for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia to reside in assisted living.

What Services are Offered in Assisted Living?

smiling seniors at a table talking to a nurse in an assisted living facility

When considering an assisted living facility, there is a range of general services that you can typically expect. These include meal preparation, ensuring that residents receive nutritious and balanced meals. Assistance with personal care is also provided, addressing activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Some types of medical care may be available, such as medication management or assistance with monitoring health conditions. Social and wellness activities are a key component, promoting engagement and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This can include exercise classes, arts and crafts, outings, and other recreational opportunities. Laundry and housekeeping services are often offered, ensuring that residents have clean and well-maintained living spaces.

In addition to these core services, many assisted living communities go above and beyond by offering additional amenities. These might include on-site hair salons, allowing residents to conveniently maintain their appearance and grooming needs. Transportation services are often provided for medical appointments or running errands, enabling residents to access necessary healthcare services and maintain independence. Excursions and outings are frequently organized, allowing residents to explore the local community and participate in leisure activities or entertainment outside of the facility. It's important to note that while these services and amenities are commonly found in assisted living facilities, each facility is unique and offerings may vary.

Who Works in Assisted Living?

nursing homes and assisted living resident and nurse standing with walker and smiling

Life in assisted living is exactly as it sounds: assisted. Most commonly, the staff consists of a variety of administrators, nurses, and housekeeping services, though each community is unique. Here is a breakdown of who you may find working in assisted living:

Administrators

An assisted living administrator manages the daily operations of their facility, ensuring that accommodations, staff, and state regulations are maintained safely and economically. An administrator may oversee directors of specific departments such as activities, nutrition, or medicine. They supervise facility budgeting, staff employment, and in many cases, marketing.

Education requirements for Assisted Living Administrators (ALAs) vary by state, but a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum, preferably focused in business or healthcare administration. Licensing requirements also vary by state and criminal background checks are a common prerequisite of employment. To find information about individual state licensing requirements, the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards is a good place to start.

Department Directors

Many facilities have individualized departments, including (but not limited to) activities, nutrition, medical, and personal care. A department director is in charge of overseeing their assigned area by coordinating tasks, delegating responsibilities to team members, and ensuring the safety of residents who are benefiting from their service. A director usually reports to the administrator.

Education requirements for assisted living department directors vary by state. An associate's or bachelor's degree is often required, preferably with a focus in healthcare administration or other related medical fields. Criminal background checks are also a common prerequisite for employment.

Nurses

Assisted living facilities employ different types of nurses to accommodate the wide range of needs residents have. Duties may include health assessment administration, medication management, skilled care, disability or illness management education, or providing general care associated with minor disabilities or illnesses. Common types of nurses who work in an assisted living facility include Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Personal Care Assistants

A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) is a staff member who helps residents with everyday needs such as bathing, eating, grooming, dressing, and toileting. PCA certification and licensing requirements vary by state and facility. The UCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care details PCA training requirements by state using an interactive map. For more information, visit your state’s website for its Department of Aging.

Dietary and Food Service Staff

Dietary and food service staff may have duties ranging from meal preparation to serving or delivering. Staff maintains records on the dietary needs of residents as well as suitable menus and substitution options. In many cases, staff must adhere to residents’ dietary restrictions as prescribed by personal physicians or dieticians. Dietary and food service staff may also be required to keep kitchens and eating spaces clean and compliant with any state regulations. Education, certification, and licensing requirements for food service positions vary by state and facility.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

piggy bank and stethescope on a mint green background

The average cost of assisted living in the US, based on a private one-bedroom unit, is between $3,000 and $6,000 per month. The final cost is dependent on geographic location and the support staff and amenities included. Some medical insurance plans may help, but it’s important to note that Medicare does not cover costs related to assisted living.

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