Assisted Living Definition
Assisted living is a senior living option where the resident lives in a home-like environment that combines healthcare and housing for seniors. Most communities offer a level of physical and emotional support to their residents, along with planned activities and events to keep seniors socially engaged. Seniors who are able to maintain a certain level of independence and do not require the care a skilled nursing home would offer, although do need some help with activities of daily living, are most likely to choose an assisted living community as a residence.
The definition of assisted living can be as simple as providing housing and care to seniors in the privacy of their own apartments. Sometimes, assisted living is thought of as the bridge between active retirement living and for some, long term care in a nursing facility.
Assisted Living Facts
- About 6.5 million older adults require assistance with daily living activities, and that number is expected to double by the year 2020.
- Roughly 1 million Americans currently reside in assisted living communities, and that number is expected to double by the year 2030.
- Assisted living is one of the fastest growing long-term care options for aging adults.
- Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes-from sprawling, suburban complexes to towering high-rises.
Benefits of Assisted Living
If you or your loved one is beginning to notice that they are having more and more issues with everyday tasks like cleaning, shopping, bathing, or cooking proper meals, then it may be time to consider an assisted living community . Making the decision to move out of a longtime home might not be an easy one, but can actually allow seniors to live more fulfilling lives; maintaining their independence in important ways while getting assistance with items they are no longer able to accomplish on their own. Assisted living communities offer 24-hour care, along with access to wellness services, housekeeping services and social activities, all designed to allow for the best quality of life in later years.
Assisted living communities truly allow residents to “age in place,” providing peace of mind for both seniors and their family member or caregivers.
Click here for more information about Assisted Living Apartments at American Senior Communities.
