An assisted living facility or assisted living home is a residential housing unit for individuals who need physical assistance to live on their own or for those who choose to live independent. Individuals can also receive assistance with some of the activities that they perform throughout the day such as bathing, dressing, eating, and walking.
The majority of assisted living homes offer some type of medical care. In some cases these services may be provided by licensed health care practitioners, but in many cases it is the responsibility of the owner of the facility to provide these services.
The primary types of assisted living homes include senior community, intermediate living, and nursing home. The senior community is usually located close to family members and friends who are willing to provide assistance. This is because most seniors prefer to live in a setting that is familiar with where they live.
Intermediate living facilities are designed to help seniors who are independent to maintain their independence while receiving some level of help from staff at the facility. This is done through the use of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and bathing aids. The nursing home facility on the other hand provides assistance for those who need serious medical attention. These services include hospital visits and surgical procedures. There are also programs that can help elderly residents prepare for retirement.
Assisted living homes are available in a variety of locations. The main reason for choosing this option over traditional living arrangements is the cost of living. A senior living unit can be a more affordable option compared to assisted living apartments or mobile homes that are designed to provide short-term accommodations and can be moved into if there are changes in housing.
As the population of the Baby Boomer generation ages and moves into retirement their needs for assisted living will increase, but they will also require additional services to ensure that they remain comfortable for as long as possible. An assisted living home can provide these services at an affordable rate while giving residents a sense of independence.
While assisted living is not a substitute for long term care, it can alleviate the financial burden associated with such an investment. Seniors who choose to stay in a residence of this type will often live longer than if they were to reside in a nursing facility. Longer stays in a residence allow seniors to save money on nursing services and medical expenses by purchasing their own groceries and maintaining other necessary household items.
There are also a number of financial benefits associated with this type of housing such as being eligible for a senior citizen’s tax credit that can help offset costs associated with home ownership. and mortgage payments. This credit cannot be applied to long term care insurance or Medicare supplement plans.
Many seniors who live at an assisted living facility are able to maintain independence in the comfort of their home. Because this type of housing is designed to provide quality services and comfort rather than just provide a home, they may enjoy many more years of life in which to enjoy life instead of the years required to recover from the initial costs of long term care.