In this article
With life expectancy increasing, and older adults living more active, vibrant lifestyles than they did in the past, the demand for assisted living communities has increased. The reason: Assisted living is ideal for older adults who need some — albeit not a ton — of support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and bathing.
“Assisted living is like having your own space with a little extra support, plus the bonus of being around people, activities and care when you need it,” explains Donzella Burton, Maryland-based assisted living executive who goes by The Assisted Living Coach. “It’s where safety, dignity, and comfort come together — and families can breathe easier knowing their loved one is in good hands.”
Whether you’re looking for yourself or an aging loved one, here’s an overview of what to know about assisted living. From cost to what a typical day might look like, experts share important insight on this popular senior living option.
Key takeaways
- Assisted living provides older adults with help for daily tasks while allowing independence and social engagement.
- Assisted living provides a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes.
- Costs vary, and planning and visiting assisted living communities is key to finding the right fit.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a supportive living option for older adults who need some help with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing and taking medication but who don’t require ongoing skilled medical care. With assisted living, seniors are able to retain a significant amount of independence.
It’s a nice middle ground between independent living and a nursing home.
“Assisted living is not medically-based like a nursing home, which is better suited for people who need 24/7 hands on care and skilled medical care, but it offers more hands-on help than independent living,” explains Macie Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist with Synergy Home Care.
While each community is different, most offer “private or semi-private apartments with 24-hour staff availability, social activities and some level of health monitoring,” says Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder and executive chairwoman at BrightStar Care.
“Many assisted living communities may offer their residents just meals and socialization but [also] provide the comfort that when more is needed, the services are easily sourced,” she continues.
This model can be a great fit for seniors who are ready to downsize their home and don’t want to make another real estate commitment and who’d like a social component to their living arrangement, explains Berkowitz.
“It’s where safety, dignity, and comfort come together — and families can breathe easier knowing their loved one is in good hands.”
— Donzella Burton, an assisted living executive
What does assisted living cost?
The cost of assisted living will vary, depending on a number of factors, including your location, as well as the amenities included. According to Genworth and CareScout, the average annual cost of an assisted living community in the U.S. is $70,800. For perspective, according to that same research, the annual cost of hiring a home health aide is $77,792, while a private room in a nursing home is $127,750.
How assisted living compares with other senior care
For folks debating between assisted living and other types of senior care, here’s a quick breakdown of how some compare.
Assisted living vs. in-home care
In-home care brings caregivers to the senior’s existing home. This may be in the form of a companion caregiver, home health aide (HHA) or nurse. “Many families choose this option to age in place before considering facility-based care,” Berkowitz explains. While in-home care lacks the social aspect of assisted living, it, Berkowitz adds, allows for familiar surroundings and one-on-one attention.
Something to keep in mind: If you’re going to require round-the-clock home services, assisted living typically comes at a lower cost, Burton notes.
Assisted living vs. independent living
Independent living offers housing designed for seniors who are fully or mostly independent. “These communities typically provide maintenance-free living, social activities and amenities, but minimal assistance with daily tasks,” notes Berkowitz.
Assisted living vs. nursing homes
Nursing homes are best-suited for folks in need of 24/7 medical care. ”They have skilled nursing staff 24/7, offer rehabilitation services and manage complex medical conditions,” explains Berkowitz. “Nursing homes are appropriate for those with serious health issues that require constant monitoring.”
Assisted living vs. continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)
CCRCs are an all-in-one senior living set-up, where all levels of care are combined into the community. “CCRCs provide a continuum of care from independent living through assisted living to nursing home care on one campus,” says Berkowitz. “This allows seniors to stay in the same community as their needs change, though they typically require substantial entry fees.”
How to pay for assisted living
Assisted living is typically paid for through private funds and long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits, according to Smith, who notes: “Standard health insurance and Medicare do not usually cover it since it is considered non-medical care.” In some states, however, Medicaid offers some coverage through waiver programs, though this varies widely, says Smith.
To learn more about coverage and payment options, check out:
How to pay for assisted living: All the details
7 Practical ways to pay for long-term care
How much does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Also, consider hiring an expert to guide you through the process. “As someone who’s helped many families navigate this financial landscape, I recommend consulting with an elder law attorney or financial advisor specializing in senior care,” notes Berkowitz.
Tips for finding the right assisted living community
Finding the right assisted living community goes far beyond a simple online search. Here are a few things to do before and during your search in order to ensure it’s a good fit.
Assess needs
When choosing the right assisted living, Burton recommends starting with the potential resident’s needs. “Think about what kind of support you or your loved one needs — like help with meals, medication or mobility,” she says.
And don’t stop there, notes Burton, who recommends thinking about potential future needs, as well. For instance, could memory care be required down the road? If so, you’ll want to see if the community you’re considering provides options.
Visit in person
The experts we spoke toagree that visiting assisted living communities is absolutely crucial. (And visit multiple communities!)
“It makes a huge difference,” Smith says. “Pay attention to how staff interact with residents, monitor engagement activities after lunch time, ask about longevity of the staff and the type of staff training provided, and trust your gut about the environment.”
During your visit, Berkowitz also recommends speaking with residents and their families, who “offer invaluable perspectives on daily life and care quality.”
“Pay attention to how staff interact with residents, monitor engagement activities after lunch time, ask about longevity of the staff and the type of staff training provided, and trust your gut about the environment.”
— Macie Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist
Ask key questions
Prepare for your visit on the front end by having a list of questions ready to go. Aren’t sure what to ask? Check out:
Checklist: Questions to ask an assisted living community
Consider location
When it comes to an older adult having access to the people and places they need to be able to visit easily, location matters. “Consider proximity to family, doctors and familiar surroundings,” says Berkowitz. “Ask if there is transportation within a certain radius for shopping and family visits. And check if there is a visiting physician that makes house calls to the community as an alternative.”
Consider cost
Be sure to check — and double check — the cost, Smith notes. “Make sure you know what’s included in the fee and if they accept Medicaid or long-term care insurance,” she says.
To that point, Berkowitz strongly recommends reading the fine print. “Understand the contract,” she says. “Pay attention to fee structures, what happens if care needs increase and conditions for moving out.”
Daily life in assisted living
While each community is different, daily life in assisted living is all about “balance and support when it’s needed, and freedom when it’s wanted,” Burton says. “Residents usually enjoy three meals a day, housekeeping and help with things like dressing or medication.”
Beyond personal care, she continues, there are opportunities to socialize and connect through assisted living activities, such as:
- Morning exercise.
- Movie nights.
- Crafts.
- Transportation to shopping or appointments.
- Religious services or discussion groups.
- Game nights.
- Gardening.
- Chatting over coffee.
Smith explains, “There’s a strong emphasis on social interaction, mental stimulation and personalized support that benefit overall well-being.”
Tips for a smooth transition to assisted living
As the case is with any move, moving into an assisted living community is a big change that can bring on big feelings. Here are a few ways to help with the transition.
Include older adults in the process
If you’re helping an aging loved one make the move, make sure they’re included every step of the way. “As your loved one makes the move, try to include them in the process and ensure all staff understand their needs in a compassionate way,” notes Smith. “This is a major life adjustment and having a sense of control and choice can help them settle in and thrive.”
Allow for an adjustment period
As your loved one moves into assisted living, Burton advises to keep in mind that it’s a major transition — for everyone. “Be sure to allow time to get adjusted,” she says. “It may take a few weeks or even months for them to settle in and feel comfortable.”
Remain a presence
Stay involved, visit often and talk with the staff about any questions or concerns, suggests Burton. “Keep the conversation open with your loved one — let them share how they’re feeling.” By doing this, she explains, you’re helping loved ones feel seen and reminding them they’re still very much part of everyone’s life.
Keep perspective
One of the most important things you can do, according to Burton, is remind yourself (as well as your loved one) that this move is about safety, support and better quality of life.
A final note on assisted living
With the numerous senior living options available, it can be hard to determine which type is right for whom. But if after assessing your own or your loved one’s support needs, you determine that assisted living is a fit, it can be a great option.
“Assisted living is a place where older adults can live comfortably while getting the help they need with everyday things like meals and bathing,” says Burton. “It’s not the end of independence — it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with care and connection.”
