What Is Assisted Living? The Basics of a Popular Senior Living Option (Nevada Senior Guide)

What Is Assisted Living?

With all the different types of senior living available today it’s difficult to understand the differences between them and even more difficult to choose the right one for you or a loved one. Adding to this confusion is different services not only at different facilities, but even to two people at the same facility!

The reason for the wide range of services is residents each get the amount of personal care and support that they need while maintaining a certain level of independence. They are typically a good choice if you need more personal care than you can get at home, but you don’t need the constant supervision of a nursing home.

So if you or a loved one find that you’re having trouble with everyday tasks but still want to maintain your independence this living option may be right for you. You can get the support you need while keeping as much of your independence as you’d like.

What Services Are Provided?

Assisted living is a good option for seniors who want or need aid with some of their daily living activities like showering, grooming, cooking meals or help getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Housekeeping, traveling to appointments are also common and some facilities also assist with medication. Many quality facilities will help develop a customized plan that meets all special needs while giving residents the freedom to do what they want to on their own.

Is It The Same Thing As A Nursing Home?

No, not exactly. They do offer many of the same services but a nursing home provides 24 hour supervision and medical care for residents. In an assisted living community 24 hour service is available, but privacy and independence is encouraged. Many offer private and apartment style housing, some even have their own kitchens. Almost all facilities have group dining and areas for social and recreational activities.

Assisted Living And Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A home can be part of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). These CCRC communities are long-term living solutions for seniors, usually in a single location. In the beginning, seniors living at a CCRC enjoy independent retirement living. As residents get older and begin needing assistance they receive the help they need as they need it. This continues until they need full-time supervision and transition into a full nursing home environment providing the resident with all the senior services they’ll need for their entire life.

Paying For Assisted Living

Most people pay for their care with private funds but in some cases exceptions are made. There are some insurance policies that offer long-term care that cover assisted living facilities that are licensed. Check your insurance policy to see if you are covered. Medicaid assistance is available to help pay for the costs of living for those who qualify.

Is Assisted Living The Right Choice For You Or Loved One?

Deciding to move into a facility and leaving the home that you’re familiar with can be difficult. Even if you’re anticipating the benefits of assisted living; security, assistance, and social perks that come with it, you have to also consider the impact that it has for your family.

Erica Julian is an experienced author who writes and contributes several articles to the Assisted Living Center blog.

Would you like to learn more about assisted living? Assisted Living Center has information for over 14,000 senior living homes and communities. Start here to request free information with no obligation.