Assisted living facilities are a type of senior housing that provides assistance with daily tasks such as medication care and bathing, but not a lot of medical assistance. Assisted living facilities have a limited nursing staff to help during emergencies, but they mainly do things like providing meals, housekeeping, transportation and laundry services. An individual facility may offer several levels of care, with associated price points.

Assisted living can be less expensive than senior in-home care services and is nearly always less than nursing home care. In assisted living, residents may have their own apartment or a private or semi-private bedroom and bathroom.

All other areas like the dining room and recreational areas are used in common with the other residents. Some assisted living facilities have amenities such as onsite beauty shops, entertainment venues and exercise areas. 

Most assisted living facilities allow seniors to bring their own furniture and belongings and typically offer month-to-month leases. Although most residents of assisted living facilities are seniors, there may also be younger residents with disabilities. 

Since there is little onsite medical care, assisted living is suitable for seniors who are at least somewhat independent.

If you have a car and can drive and get around safely, you can keep your car. The shared common areas and activities provide the opportunity to form friendships with people around your age.

Respite CareSome assisted care facilities also provide respite care. Respite care is a short-term stay of anywhere from a week to a couple of months in order to give a family caregiver a break. Unpaid caregivers experience a high rate of burnout because of the emotional, physical and financial burdens of caring for a loved one. A senior’s short stay in an assisted living facility can provide an opportunity for the caregiver to rest and recharge.