Comparison of Assisted Living in All 50 States
Assisted living is a service for people who need help with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living facilities are special facilities that span the gap between independent living and nursing homes. These facilities may be temporary or long-term housing. They are especially designed to help seniors who are capable of independent activities but need help with some of the day-to-day activities. This can include transportation, assistance with medications, preparing meals and eating, bathing, dressing, housekeeping and getting to the doctor's office. The facilities also offer immediate access to emergency help. Most facilities include a pull cord or pendant that can alert the staff if one of the residents falls or has some other emergency. In many cases, this safety feature can minimize the damage from an event.
Assisted living facilities also have advantages because of the social interaction between residents. When comparing an assisted living facility to living at home with in-home care, the assisted living facility has a much higher level of socialization. Since most meals are served in a cafeteria or food-service area, residents are exposed to their neighbors much more than they would be living at home. Most assisted living facilities also have an activities director that organizes special events for residents. This can range from group outings to a night at the theater.
Assisted living facilities also have another advantage. Most facilities include some level of both physical and mental health programs or rehab services. This is especially critical for seniors that need to have activities available in order to help rebuild their physical or mental abilities or maintain their existing condition. For many seniors, the goal while in assisted living is to regain their health and get back to a more independent living arrangement.
Other common names for assisted living facilities include retirement residences, adult living facilities, domiciliary care, adult congregate living care, residential care, sheltered housing and community-based retirement facilities.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home
| Independent Living | Assisted Living | Nursing Home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self care | 100% independent | Needs help with typical daily activities | Cannot survive without this level of assistance |
| Medical conditions | None to minor | Minor to major | Serious |
| Size range | 400 to 3,000 square feet | 250 to 600 square feet | 100 to 300 square feet |
| Emergency assistance | Attendant on staff | Attendant on 24-hour staff | Nurses on 24-hour duty |
| Privacy | Private residence | Usually one building with private living areas | Private or shared rooms available |
| Kitchen | Can include granite counter and full-size kitchen | Mini kitchen | None |
| Design | Luxury home or standard apartment | 2-bedroom to studio or hotel room | Similar to a hospital |
Continuing Care
Continuing care is the name given to facilities or groups of facilities that provide several housing options for seniors. This typically includes independent living, assisted living and nursing home care. Continuing care is an excellent option for many seniors because it allows them to move from one facility to another based on their current health condition. Many seniors need advanced help from a nursing home or assisted living facility following a stroke or mild heart attack. As the patient rehabilitates, their needs reduce and they may want to move into a more independent living situation. Continuing care allows for residents to move from one facility to another to get the appropriate level of care based on their current health.