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Is Assisted Living Good for Elderly People?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Assisted living is good for elderly people who require a higher level of daily living support to maintain their health and independence. However, it may not be ideal for those with severe cognitive impairments, injuries or illnesses. Assisted living communities provide assistance with personal care tasks, including grooming, dressing and medication management. They also feature social programs and activities to foster an active lifestyle.
While many communities employ 24-hour staff for daily living support or emergencies, they don’t provide around-the-clock nursing care. Some offer limited health care services, including rehabilitative therapies and diabetes management, or coordinate appointments with local providers as needed, but nursing homes are better equipped for intensive medical care.
How do assisted living and nursing home services differ?
Assisted living communities provide daily living assistance, while nursing homes offer 24-hour medical care and supervision. Assisted living helps mostly independent older adults live safely and comfortably, offering personalized care plans, housing with emergency call systems or home modifications and escorts to meals and activities. It also prevents loneliness and isolation through social activities, off-site excursions and shared spaces, including common areas or activity centers.
Meanwhile, nursing homes cater to seniors who are sick or injured, have trouble getting out of bed or need assistance with feeding or using the bathroom. They offer extensive medical and personal care support, with some facilities featuring specialized memory care units for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
How to find the right assisted living community for an elderly loved one
Finding the right assisted living community for an elderly loved one depends on their specific care and lifestyle needs. If maintaining an active, social lifestyle is a priority, search for communities offering extensive activities and amenities. However, if they need specific medical services, a community with an on-site health center or care coordination services may be more suitable.
Some seniors may require higher levels of care as needs evolve. Life plan or continuing care retirement communities offer tiered care levels, allowing residents to access services including skilled nursing or memory care, without moving to a new location. Scheduling tours with potential communities can help determine whether they align with a loved one’s situation.