Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who need help with various daily tasks, but still want to remain as independent as possible. The communities provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and services such as:

• Bathing and personal hygiene
• Managing medications
• Dining
• Housekeeping and laundry

These services can either be included in the monthly price, or provided at an additional charge.

Assisted living communities come in a variety of layouts, sizes, and types of housing. Their hallways and common areas are often wide and spacious, allowing for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. They tend to be on one level, or provide first floor access to elevators. Some are laid out like a typical apartment complex, while others may be sprawling, campus-wide communities.

The more encompassing campuses may also feature:

• Independent Living: An active residential community with housing, amenities, and entertainment specifically designed for independent seniors; however, these do not include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Memory Care: Tailored specifically to individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They provide secured units where residents can wander safely, and will often utilize furnishing and design solutions that specifically help with memory issues. They may or may not be part of a larger assisted living community serving other needs.
• Skilled Nursing Care: Around-the-clock care provided by a registered nurse who monitors the health of residents while also administering necessary treatments and procedures.

Assisted living facilities seek to make their residents’ day-to-day lives as simple, comfortable, and engaging as possible. These communities provide everything from housekeeping to meals to 24-hour security, and help remove many daily concerns seniors would otherwise face. Residents and their families have the peace of mind knowing that if help is needed, someone is always nearby.

Residents can also spend more time enjoying their hobbies and interests, such as painting, music, playing cards, and reading – and even in many cases, cooking and gardening.

Lifestyle

Assisted living facilities are designed to cultivate a strong social connection among residents, as isolation can have a negative effect on one’s physical and mental health. Many communities have group dining and common areas. They also offer regularly planned group recreation to help keep seniors engaged, with activities ranging from creative to active such as:

• Bunco and Bridge groups
• Arts and crafts
• Yoga
• Music
• Gardening
• Game nights
• Live entertainment
• Day trips or outings

Most communities encourage visitors anytime throughout the day, and many even allow family members and close friends to visit after the building has been locked up at night.

Some also allow residents to have a pet, as long as it is cared for and well-behaved. Much like an apartment community, weight limits often apply.

Services

Assisted living community staff manage many daily chores. These basic services which are typically built into monthly fees. These often include:

• Meals
• Laundry
• Cleaning and housekeeping
• Transportation

The average monthly cost for assisted living in the United States is $5,900 according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This monthly price tag is likely to cover housing, meals, and entertainment for the resident.

Factors that affect cost include:

• Level of care: The degree of assistance needed for activities of daily living (ADLs) influence the price. A higher need for care typically increases the cost of more hands-on support.
• Location: Communities located in areas with higher living costs will likely have higher prices.
• Amenities and Services: Assisted living facilities with more amenities, like spas, fitness centers, or concierge services, will typically come with higher costs.

UPDATED: May 27, 2025

Potential residents qualify for assisted living when they require help with at least three activities of daily living (ADLs). Staff are on hand to assist with these daily activities as needed, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Other basic medical services include:

• Medication reminders
• Medication administration
• Wound treatment and other types of medical care, often administered by a third party
• Physical, speech, or occupational therapy, often offered onsite by a third party provider such as a home care or home health agency

Financial

• Is there an entrance fee?
• What is the monthly fee?
• What does the monthly fee cover?
• What other services are provided at an additional cost?

Social

• Does their activity program appeal to you?
• Do they have multigenerational programming?
• Is there scheduled transportation?
• Are there regular outings or field trips?

Environmental

• Does it appear to be a warm and hospitable setting?
• Do the residents seem cared for and content?
• Is there a controlled entry system (especially important if there’s a concern about your loved one wandering)?
• Visit during off hours (like in the evenings or on weekends). Does the community still look as well maintained and organized as it did during daytime hours?

Staffing

• Is the staff friendly and helpful?
• Is someone available 24 hours a day?
• How often and how many caregivers are staffed at a time?
• Does the person giving a tour of the facility know the names of the residents they pass in the hallway? This is a good indicator of the staff involvement.
• What is the average length of employment for the community?

Consider the statements below. How many describe you (or your loved one)?

• Having an extra set of hands would be helpful.
• I would like to connect with others and don’t want to be isolated by living alone.
• Having meals prepared for me would be helpful.
• I no longer feel safe living in my home.
• I need help getting in and out of the tub or shower, or need help bathing.
• I need help getting dressed.
• I do not have family or friends nearby if I need help with daily tasks.
• I need help navigating the stairs of my home.
• I grab onto furniture for stability as I move around my home.