| WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING? Assisted-living facilities are for people needing assistance
with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible
for as long as possible. Assisted living exists to bridge the gap between
independent living and nursing homes. Residents in assisted living centers are not
able to live by themselves but do not require constant care. Assisted living
facilities offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping,
and assistance with medications. Many facilities also have centers for medical care;
however, the care offered may not be as intensive or available to residents as the care
offered at a nursing home. Assisted-living is not an alternative to a nursing home, but an
intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors.
Most assisted-living facilities create a service
plan for each individual resident upon admission. The service plan details the
personalized services required by the resident and guaranteed by the facility. The
plan is updated regularly to assure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his
or her condition changes. |
