James A. Surrell, M.D.

Let’s start today by reviewing the basic definition of “Assisted Living.” Following is the definition of “Assisted Living” as defined by the National Institutes of Health. Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a specific nursing home may provide. Assisted living facilities vary greatly in size from serving only a few residents to serving many dozens of people in need of assisted living. There may also be a variation in the “levels of care” that are offered, with some assisted living residents needing more daily assisted living care than others.

Assisted living residents usually live in their own private or semi-private room, or in their own suite, or in a small apartment, and they share common areas. They have access to many services, including up to three meals a day, assistance with personal care, help with taking their medications, housekeeping, laundry, 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff. Many assisted living facilities will also offer various planned social and recreational activities.

Following is a list of the various services that may be provided by various assisted living facilities.

– Assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting

– Central dining programs that include three meals a day

– Educational activities

– Emergency call systems in private and common areas

– Exercise activities

– Health services and taking their personal medications

– Housekeeping and maintenance

– Organized recreational activities

– Laundry services

– Social services and religious activities

– Transportation arrangements

– Wellness programs

– 24-hour security

Many assisted living facilities also have contracts with home health agencies that may be needed to provide additional skilled nursing care and medical care. As may be needed, assisted living facilities may also provide hospice services.

If a family is in need of an assisted living facility for a loved one, the family should arrange for a visit to receive an initial orientation of the services provided by the facility they are looking at. Once a loved one is placed in an assisted living facility, they should be evaluated on a regular basis to assess the need for any services that may no longer be needed, or for any additional services that may be beneficial. Further, the assisted living care recipient should also have access to these evaluations and a review of the findings and any new recommendations.

It is always very important for family members to assess the need for a family member to be placed in an assisted living facility. This decision should certainly be reviewed with one’s health care provider, and specific recommendations can then be made regarding the need for a person to be living in an assisted living environment.