An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs — both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who need help with activities of daily living.
What is the philosophy of assisted living?
Members of the Assisted Living Federation of America, the largest national association for the assisted living business, subscribe to a 10-point philosophy of care:
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Offering cost-effective quality care that is personalized for individual needs
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Fostering independence for each resident
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Treating each resident with dignity and respect
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Promoting the individuality of each resident
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Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle
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Protecting each resident’s right to privacy
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Nurturing the spirit of each resident
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Involving family and friends, as appropriate, in care planning and implementation
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Providing a safe, residential environment
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Making the assisted living residence a valuable community asset
Who lives in assisted living residences?
Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 20,000 assisted living residences. assisted living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. A typical resident is a woman in her eighties and is either widowed or single. Residents may suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorders. Residents may also need help with incontinence or mobility.
What does an assisted living residence look like?
Assisted living residences can range from a high-rise apartment complex to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. Residences may be free standing or housed with other residential options, such as independent living or nursing care. They may be operated by non-profit or for-profit companies. Most communities have between 25 and 120 units. There is no single blueprint, because consumers’ preferences and needs vary widely. Units may vary in size from one room to a full apartment.