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A 2024 Guide to Assisted Living Facilities – How To Find The Right Community for You

What Is Assisted Living, and Is It Right for Me?

Morgan Redding Writer and Editor
Scott Witt Scott Witt Elder Home Care Expert

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If living alone has become more challenging or you're looking for community, consider moving to an assisted living community. Most assisted living facilities provide services such as meals, housekeeping, and medication management. Amenities like a fitness center, transportation services, and outdoor spaces are often included to encourage health and well-being. They also offer social opportunities and community. Since loneliness can contribute to mental and physical decline,1 connections and friendships fostered in an assisted living community can be great for your health!

Assisted living community

Before you visit assisted living communities near you, you may wonder what it's like to live there. Well, I've got the inside scoop! During the years I worked for an assisted living facility, I spoke with dozens of residents who call assisted living home. Let's jump in to see if assisted living is right for you!

Find the Right Housing Options for You

Our free housing and care finder uses your unique needs to curate a list of the best options in your area.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is designed to provide long-term housing for older adults who need assistance with daily tasks like laundry, cooking, cleaning, and medication management. This support helps older adults maintain good health longer. Assisted living is a great fit for older adults or couples who are still active and social but require extra help with daily life. Seniors and their adult children can take comfort knowing that 24/7 support is available. If you or a loved one are not ready to transition into an assisted living facility just yet, check out our guide to independent senior living.

For more details on assisted living, check out the video below with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.

Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt, explains assisted living.

What Care Is Provided in Assisted Living?

Services provided in an assisted living community will vary, but generally, you can expect meals, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance to be taken care of.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living2, typical services provided by assisted living communities include:

  • Round-the-clock supervision and assistance
  • Exercise and health and wellness programs
  • Laundry, cleaning, and other housekeeping and maintenance services
  • Personal care and help with ADLs
  • Meals and dining services
  • Medication management
  • Transportation services

Some assisted living communities have “a la carte” services and amenities that you or a loved one may add for extra costs, such as salon services, garage or carport space, and physical and occupational therapy.

Assisted living services

Are There Different Levels of Assisted Living?

There are typically three levels of care in assisted living communities. Levels of care are based on the assistance a resident needs with the six main activities of daily living (ADLs).3

ADLs include:

  • Dressing
  • Using the restroom
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Ambulating
  • Continence
  • Feeding

These different levels of care allow residents to stay in their assisted living home for longer periods. For example, if a senior has a change in their health status and needs additional support, they can move to the next level of care within assisted living without the hassle of moving to a new room or different facility entirely.

Most assisted living communities have three levels of care. The higher the care level, the more assistance you will need from staff, increasing your care costs. You need to be honest and open during an assessment to ensure you get the adequate care you need to stay safe and healthy. Though it will vary slightly from place to place, below is a general structure that can be used for reference:

Care level May include Best for
Level one: Lowest care
  • Reminders throughout the day for medications and appointments
  • Supervision when checking blood sugar or taking injections
Seniors who are mostly independent but need some reminders throughout the day.
Level two: Moderate care
  • Assistance with one ADL, such as bathing or dressing.
  • Medication management
Seniors who have some mobility impairment and need assistance but are still able to eat on their own.
Level three: Highest care
  • Assistance with multiple ADLs like bathing, dressing, getting around, and using the restroom.
  • Medication management
Seniors who have severe physical or cognitive impairment and need assistance with the majority of daily tasks.
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Do I Qualify for Assisted Living?

If cooking, cleaning, and managing your medication is overwhelming and tiring, assisted living may be for you. If you're generally still active and can get around well on your own or with the assistance of a cane or walker, you may benefit from assisted living, where many daily tasks are taken care of. It frees up your time and energy to enjoy hobbies, spend time with friends and family, and volunteer if you'd like.

Some signs that you or your loved one may be ready for assisted living include:

  • Loneliness and depression
  • Trouble managing money and paying bills
  • Worsening health condition
  • Inability or difficulty cooking and cleaning
  • Help needed with personal care and managing medication
  • Increased risk of falling or have had multiple falls

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

According to the Genworth Cost of Long-Term Care Survey, the estimated median cost of assisted living in 2024 is $4,971 per month.4 Prices vary from about $3,000 to $7,000 per month, depending on location and other factors. Costs depend on the usual housing factors (e.g., room size, amenities, and geographic location), plus care services. Residents might have separate fees for help with laundry, pet care, physical therapy, and other needs. If the need for care advances, a person might bring in extra help to avoid transferring to a nursing home.

FYI:

FYI: Assisted living costs vary greatly depending on the location. For example, assisted living in Mesa, Arizona will have totally different average prices than Denver assisted living communities

So how do you pay for assisted living? It's common to combine resources such as personal savings, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and veterans' benefits. It's important to note that Medicare doesn't generally cover assisted living and Medicaid is only accepted at some facilities. Some communities have staff available to guide you through the options and paperwork. You can also privately hire a geriatric planner.

How to Research Assisted Living Facilities

Determining if assisted living is right for you or a loved one may feel like quite an undertaking, which is why enlisting trusted support and expert guidance can relieve some of the burden.

Consider taking these first steps to help find an assisted living community in your area:

  • Search our assisted living directory.
  • Ask your healthcare provider which assisted living communities they recommend.
  • If you have friends or family who live in a local assisted living community, ask them about their experience and recommendations.
  • Visit or call your local Area Agency on Aging.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community

You can find the right assisted living community by visiting several different facilities in your area. To find communities near you, search the SeniorLiving.org housing directory. When touring an assisted living center, be on the lookout for standards of cleanliness and personal interaction. Remember, for a high quality of life, it’s critical to find a good social match, not just a facility that meets basic needs.

Visiting assisted living communities will give you a better idea of the social setting, activities, and culture the community fosters. Eating a meal at the facility can be a great way to start gaining an insider's view – so if possible, arrange an interview over lunch or dinner at the facility. This will also give you insight into the expected menu and food quality if that's particularly important to you. A good alternative is to observe a class or club meeting if they are offered. It'll give you a better idea of how the residents interact and what activities are available.

Here are several questions to ask and consider during your visit.

Questions Related to the Home or Facility

  1. How many people live at the facility? What is the ratio of caregivers to residents?
  2. Does the facility feel home-like? Do you like the décor?
  3. What are the apartment and room choices? Do you have a full apartment with a kitchen?
  4. Do you have a private bath? Will you share an apartment?
  5. Does the residence have its own dog or cat? Can residents bring their own pets? What are the restrictions on pets?
  6. Can residents bring their own furniture and decor? What furnishings are provided?
  7. Is there a separate thermostat in your room?
  8. Is there plenty of natural lighting?
  9. What is the view like?
  10. Is there enough closet and storage space?
  11. Are kitchen cabinets easy to reach?
  12. Are the outside areas well-kept?
  13. Are there any stains or bad odors?
  14. Are there social activities available?
  15. Are there enough common areas such as dens and living rooms?
  16. Are there any security protocols in place, or security cameras to help residents feel at ease?
  17. Does the facility allow smoking? If so, can residents do so in their rooms or is there an outside space for smoking?

Questions Related to the People

  1. Are the residents clean, happy, and friendly? Do not be afraid to ask current residents about their experiences
  2. Are staff members attentive and kind?
  3. Would you enjoy sharing meals with the residents? Do you share common interests?
  4. Are the residents somewhat independent? Is there social activity in the common areas or a place where individuals can practice their faith?
  5. Do the residents seem happy?

Questions Related to the Safety

  1. Is staff available around the clock? Are all entrances and exits secured?
  2. Are there appropriate safety measures such as emergency exits and smoke detectors in place?
  3. Are registered nurses on staff? What are their hours? If an RN isn’t on duty 24/7, it’s important to know the center’s protocol in case of nighttime emergencies.
  4. Are the halls and grounds well-lit? Are there handrails in the hallways?
  5. Are the hallways and doorways wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs? Are there walk-in showers?
  6. Do the rooms and bathrooms have handrails and call buttons?

Questions Related to the Amenities

  1. Is there a monthly events calendar posted? Are the spiritual services on-site?
  2. Does the facility have a space for outdoor recreation? If so, make sure that the area looks inviting but is guarded against trespassers.
  3. Are there transportation schedules for errands and medical appointments?
  4. What social activities, classes, and field trips are facilitated by the staff?
  5. Is there a crafts room? Are there computers and printers? Is there a swimming pool? What about a convenience shop?
  6.  Is the facility located near town centers or community landmarks? Be sure to inquire about the closest grocery store, church, hairdresser, movie theater, and/or library to ensure you can still partake in your favorite pastimes.

Other Considerations and Questions

  1. Is there a meal menu and can residents choose when to eat? Do the menu selections vary from day to day?
  2. Ask to see the facility’s licensing and certification reports. These show any patterns of neglect and medication errors.
  3. Ask to see a copy of the resident agreement which spells out the facility’s obligations. It will also list the charge for items that are extra like laundry service.
  4. How close are you to friends and relatives? Are they allowed to stay overnight?
  5. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Inquire about this ratio to ensure you or a loved one will be well taken care of. As you tour facilities, be on the lookout for staff members and see if it appears that residents are being attended to regularly.
  6. What is the staff turnover rate? Rates in the double digits could indicate a problem.
  7. If a resident becomes more disabled, can the facility accommodate those needs?
  8. Who dispenses medication and how much training have they had? States have training requirements.
  9. What are the criteria for moving out? When might a senior be asked to leave?

 

Find Assisted Living Options for Your Needs

There are thousands of assisted living communities across the country, and it’s important to find one that meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for a community with specialized care for your health needs or you want a community for you and your spouse, there is an option for you!


Additional Assisted Living Resources

Want to learn more about assisted living? From assisted living costs and Medicare coverage to tips on choosing the right community for you, we’ve got you covered.


Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the average length of stay in assisted living?

    According to the Senior Services of America5, the average length of stay in assisted living has dropped significantly over the past two years. Today, the national average is closer to one year, compared to a two-year time frame from previous years.

    Assisted living communities are designed for long-term living. You may find that some communities offer a trial period of 30 to 90 days to see if it is a good fit or if something is needed short term, but the majority of seniors make their selected assisted living community a long-term home. Some older adults may move to a nursing home or facility with a higher level of care as their needs and health change over time.

  • Can you leave assisted living?

    Policies and procedures vary among assisted living communities when it comes to residents leaving the building. In most cases, assisted living communities allow residents to come and go as they please, as long as they sign out. In an emergency situation such as a fire, the assisted living community needs to know who is in the building and who is not. Signing out helps the assisted living communities keep residents safe and accounted for.

  • Can assisted living kick you out?

    While the Nursing Home Reform Act6 has laws in place to protect older folks from nursing home evictions, these do not apply to assisted living communities. Rather, there are state-specific laws in place that protect seniors from being unjustly evicted from their assisted living facility. However, there are a few justifiable reasons why you or your loved ones may be asked to leave an assisted living community, including:

    • Not paying for care expenses
    • Needing more care than the assisted living community can provide
    • Endangering the health and safety of oneself, staff, or other residents
    • The assisted living community is closing

    Keep in mind that assisted living communities must give a written 30-day notice to the resident and legal representative (usually a family member) before the resident is required to move out.

  • Can you drink alcohol in assisted living?

    Drinking alcohol in assisted living varies widely by community. You may find some assisted living communities have a bar and may even hold a weekly happy hour for residents. Conversely, some communities don’t serve alcohol in public living spaces and only allow residents to consume it in the privacy of their room. If you enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail, make sure to ask about the facility’s policy when you take a tour!

  • Does assisted living include meals?

    Typically, meals, drinks, and snacks are included in your monthly bill. What exactly is included will vary by facility, but usually, assisted living will provide three meals per day during specified times, along with a dining room that offers food throughout the day. Some facilities also have restaurants so residents can pop in with friends for a meal at their convenience. Assisted living communities typically accommodate various dietary requirements. Just make sure to check that the facility can meet your specific dietary needs when touring! If you still enjoy cooking, you’ll want to look for assisted living facilities that have a full kitchen or kitchenette in your residence.

    Want to compare assisted living with other types of senior living? Visit our housing comparison guide to see which housing situation best meets your needs.

Written By:
Morgan Redding
Writer and Editor
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous… Learn More About Morgan Redding
Reviewed By:
Scott Witt
Elder Home Care Expert
Scott founded Select Home Care Portland in 2009 and has been helping seniors live their best life at home or in their local senior community ever since. As an advocate for seniors, the primary philosophy has been to listen, educate… Learn More About Scott Witt
Citations
  1. National Institute on Aging. (2019). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks.

  2. ACHANCAL. (2022). Facts & Figures.

  3. NIH. (2022). Activities of Daily Living.

  4. Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.

  5. Senior Services of America. (2022). What Is the Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living?

  6. AARP. (2001, Feb). The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act.