What Exactly is an Assisted Living Community?

An inside look at exactly what an assisted living community really is. An assisted living community provides housing and the services seniors need.

Assisted living communities are becoming more commonplace as the baby boom generation continues to come into retirement age. To respond to the demand for seniors who are not able to live independently without assistance for their everyday activities (also known as Activities of Daily Living or ADL’s) such as walking unescorted down a hallway or taking daily medications, the assisted living community was born.

An Assisted Living Community, Defined

The assisted living community provides housing in the form of apartments, and provides the services that seniors need (assistance with ADL’s) in a setting that encourages community interaction. Seniors are never alone as staff is available 24 hours a day. Upon admission to an assisted living community a resident is accessed to determine the types of assistance they will need and the frequency of that assistance. As always, staff encourages the residents to maintain the highest level of independence as they possibly can.

Looking Inside an Assisted Living Community, The Apartments

Most assisted living communities offer studio apartments with few one bedroom and even fewer two bedroom apartments. Full kitchens are not common; instead a small icebox, microwave, and small sink area are most likely as assisted living communities provide meals in the dining area three times a day. Doorways are wide, bathrooms have grab rails and emergency pull cords are provided.

Looking Inside an Assisted Living Community, The Common Areas

Common areas are large, warm, and inviting. These include the living room, dining room, and activity rooms. Hallways are wide and accommodating to walkers and wheelchairs. Staff offices are spread around.

So, what exactly is an assisted living community? Assisted living communities become the seniors’ residences, their homes until they need more medical care. While privacy is respected, residents are encouraged to come away from their TVs and know that they have much to contribute to others still.

Related posts

1. Do I Need A Caregiver As Well If I Reside In Assisted Living?
2. What Should I consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Community
3. How Do Assisted Living Communities Differ From Other Levels Of Care?
4. How Do Assisted Living Communities Differ From Other Levels Of Care?
5. What are the Benefits of Assisted Living?

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