Assisted Living

Assisted living is type of long term care facility for elderly or disabled people who are able to get around on their own but who may need help with some activities of daily living, or simply prefer the convenience of having their meals in a central cafeteria and having nursing staff on call.

Generally, these are state-licensed programs offered at senior residential communities with services that include meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The exact definition will vary from state to state, and a few states do not license assisted living facilities. Assisted living is generally regarded as a step or two below skilled nursing in its level of care. Approximately 90 percent of the country's assisted living services are paid for with private funds, although some states have adopted Medicaid waiver programs.

Assisted living may also be referred to as Personal Care, Board and Care, Residential Care, Boarding Home, etc., although some states differentiate between their definition of "Assisted Living" and these other terms (e.g., Washington state recognizes and licenses "Assisted Living" facilities as well as "Boarding Homes;" although licensed by the State of Washington, a Boarding Home does not meet the higher physical plant and service requirements necessary to be considered an Assisted Living facility).

ALF's range in size from small homes housing 6-12 people to large full service facilities. The range of services vary from facility to facility. Services typically include assistance with meals, bathing, dressing, continence care and other routine daily needs. Medical services vary by facility.

Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks. They may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom, but they don't need full-time nursing care. Some assisted living facilities are part of retirement communities. Others are near nursing home, so a person can move easily if needs change.

Assisted living costs less than nursing home care. It is still fairly expensive. Older people or their families usually foot the bill. Health and long term care insurance policies may cover some of the costs. Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living.