What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of long-term residential senior care designed for older adults who need help with their everyday personal needs, like bathing and dressing, and other tasks, such as laundry and transportation.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs) do not provide skilled medical care. Rather, ALFs offer residents daily support, a social environment, and around-the-clock staff available for emergency support. Care is catered to each individual, so residents can remain as independent as possible. This makes assisted living a good fit for many seniors who are beginning to have challenges with their day-to-day tasks but do not need ongoing medical care.
Key Points
- Assisted living is a type of senior living that provides residents with assistance with their daily tasks but does not offer regular skilled medical care
- Assisted living is a good fit for seniors who need help performing their daily activities but do not need regular medical care
- As of 2023, assisted living costs an average of $4,459 per month in the United States
- Medicare does not cover assisted living, but many states’ Medicaid waiver programs and some VA benefits provide some financial assistance
Is Assisted Living Right for You?
Assisted living is a good fit for people who need assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing and dressing, want to have around-the-clock help available, and seek opportunities to socialize with other people in the same life stage.
To meet those needs, some of the services you’ll find in assisted living include:
- Help with ADLs
- Medication management
- Prepared meals
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Interior and exterior home maintenance
- Planned group activities, events and outings
- Transportation
- Physical and occupational therapy services (sometimes off-site)
Some of the amenities you’ll typically find in assisted living include:
- On-site fitness center
- Activity room and other shared spaces such as a library or art studio
- Salon or barbershop
- Worship room
- Group dining areas
Continue Reading: See common activities you can expect to find in assisted living communities |
Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living
When trying to determine if it’s time for you or your loved one to move to assisted living, focus on indicators that it’s becoming difficult to complete ADLs, — and that living on one’s own has become unmanageable or unsafe.
Some of these behaviors include:
- Noticeable weight loss or increased frailty
- Changes in one’s appearance, such as stained clothing or unkempt hair
- Recent accidents in the home (such as a fall) or while driving
- Loneliness due to lack of companionship
- Bills and loans going unpaid and mail from creditors going unopened
- Stale or expired foods in the pantry and refrigerator
- Broken appliances that your loved one used to use regularly
- Signs of lax housekeeping such as a dirty bathroom or lots of clutter around the home
If it does sound like it’s time for you or your loved one to move to assisted living, you can call (800) 558-0653 for free, personalized assistance finding the right community from one of our trained Family Advisors.
Continue Reading: Find out more about how to know when it’s time for assisted living in our Answers Center |
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Senior Care
If you’re unsure if assisted living is right for you, one of the other types of senior care may be a better fit. See how they compare below.
Care Type
Shared Spaces + Group Activities
Offers housekeeping
Offers Assistance with ADLs*
Offers skilled nursing services
Assistance available 24/7
Assisted Living
✔
✔
✔
✔**
✔
*Activities of Daily Living. Learn More About ADLs.
**Regular skilled nursing care is sometimes, but not always, offered in assisted living and memory care communities.
Learn More About How Assisted Living Compares To Other Types of Senior Care
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
As of 2023, the national average cost of assisted living is $4,459 per month. This can vary drastically depending on several factors:
- Location: Costs vary significantly in different areas of the country. If you live in a high-cost-of-living area, expect to pay on the high end for assisted living.
- Type of Community: While all assisted living communities provide assistance with ADLs, the “extras” can vary significantly. Luxury assisted living communities will have upgraded amenities and services like on-demand concierge or on-site golf courses, while affordable senior living communities will have fewer lifestyle services and may have older construction. Both can offer a great assisted living experience; it just depends on what your budget and priorities are.
- Individual Services Needed: Some communities charge an extra fee for services that go beyond help with ADLs, such as physical and occupational therapy.
- Cost Structure: Some ALFs charge an all-inclusive monthly fee, while others may charge for things like therapy services, group outings, or food, drinks or snacks eaten outside of mealtimes. Be sure to review a community’s cost structure in detail to understand the total cost.
Caring.com’s Cost Methodology The average monthly cost of assisted living figure cited above is from Caring.com’s proprietary calculation, which is based on costs from over 75,000 senior living providers. Learn More About Caring.com’s Cost Data Methodology |
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Because assisted living communities are not medical facilities, they are not covered by Medicare. Likewise, assisted living is not one of the covered services under standard Medicaid. However, many states offer Medicaid waivers, add-ons to standard Medicaid, that can help seniors pay for assisted living. Additionally, there are other ways to make assisted living more affordable, including:
- Veteran benefits
- Long-term care insurance
- Annuities
- Reverse mortgages
- Life insurance payouts
Continue Reading: Learn more about the different ways you can pay for assisted living |
How to Find Assisted Living
If you’re looking for an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, we can help. Caring.com’s expert Family Advisors provide no-cost, personalized advice and recommendations for care seekers like you. Call (800) 558-0653 to speak with an advisor and start the process of finding the right assisted living community for you.
For guidance on what to look for in an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, you can read our guide to How to Choose an Assisted Living Community.
Or, if you’d like to start your search independently, you can use the module below to get started.
Search for Properties in Your Area
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Assisted Living Rooms Like?
- What Are Individual Services Plans (ISPs) in Assisted Living?
- Can Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Be Used to Pay for Assisted Living?
- What Is Luxury Assisted Living and How Much Does it Cost?
- Does Social Security Pay for Assisted Living?
- How Do I Find Affordable Assisted Living Facilities?
- How Do I Find a Highly-Rated Assisted Living Facility?
- Are There Assisted Living Options for Couples?
- Can Disability Benefits Be Used to Pay for Assisted Living?
- Assisted Living Options for People with Vision Impairment
- Assisted Living for Seniors with Clinical Depression
- Assisted Living Options for People Struggling with Addiction
- Assisted Living for Muslim Seniors
- Finding Assisted Living For Chinese American Seniors
- Assisted Living for Seniors With Disabilities
- A Guide to Assisted Living for Arab American Seniors
- A Guide to Lutheran Assisted Living
- A Guide to Assisted Living For Hispanic Seniors
- What happens when assisted living is not enough?
- Who is ultimately responsible for everything that happens in an assisted living facility?
- What questions should I ask when looking for assisted living?
- What is an example of assisted living?
- What are the pros and cons of living in an assisted living?
- How do you tell a parent they need assisted living?
- How do I convince my parents with dementia to go to assisted living?
- What services do most assisted living facilities provide?
- How does one pay for assisted living?
- What is the goal of an assisted living facility?
- Are assisted living homes safe for the elderly?
- How do you move an unwilling parent to assisted living?
- How do you transition an elderly parent to assisted living?
- What should you take to assisted living?
- How long does it take to adjust to assisted living?
- What should you give someone who is going into assisted living?
- How often should you visit a parent in assisted living?
- How do you make assisted living feel like home?
- What should you buy someone in assisted living?
- How can an older adult be successful in assisted living?
- How does assisted living help families?
- How do you choose assisted living?
- How do you decide between assisted living and memory care?
- How do assisted living referral agencies work?
- How quickly can you get a parent into assisted living?
- How long does it take to find assisted living?
- How do you find assisted living for couples?
- How do you find assisted living for veterans with dementia?
- Is assisted living good for elderly people?
- Who should you call about assisted living?
- Can I qualify for assisted living with depression and anxiety?
- When Is Assisted Living Not Appropriate?
- What Should You Do When Only One Spouse Needs Assisted Living?
- When Should Dementia Patients Move to Assisted Living?
- When Should You Move Into Assisted Living?
- Are People Safer in Home or in Assisted Living?
- How Many Falls Do You Need to Have Before You Should Consider Assisted Living?
- How Do I Apply for Assisted Living?
- Can a Quadriplegic Live in Assisted Living?
- Can Assisted Living Facilities Accommodate People With a Left Nephrectomy?
- Can Drug Addiction Disqualify Me for Assisted Living?
- Does My Parent Need Assisted Living?
- How Should You Decide on Assisted Living?
- When Should Elderly People Move to Assisted Living?
- What Should You Do When Only One Parent Needs Assisted Living?
- When Should Parkinson’s Patients Move to Assisted Living?
- Should a Cancer Patient Go to Assisted Living?
- When a Parent in Assisted Living Keeps Having Falls, What Should Be Done?
- When Should Married Couples Be Separated in Assisted Living Facilities?
- When Should You Sell a Home Before Moving Into Assisted Living?
- Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
- What is the Next Level of Care After Assisted Living?
- How do continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and assisted living facilities differ?
- What is a Type B assisted living facility?
- What are assisted living apartments?
- What is a Level 2 assisted living facility?
- What is a Type A assisted living facility?
- What is a Type C assisted living facility?
- What is Level 4 assisted living?
- What Is a Level 3 Assisted Living Facility?
- What is the average age for individuals entering assisted living?
- Is there a care level above assisted living?
- What does a secured assisted living unit entail?
- How is assisted living adapted for individuals with mental illness?
- Are assisted living expenses tax deductible?
- Does assisted living count as a medical expense?
- Is rent for assisted living tax deductible?
- Can moving expenses to assisted living be deducted from taxes?
- Are VA benefits for assisted living taxable?
- Can entrance fees for assisted living be deducted on taxes?
- Are cameras allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Are Hoyer lifts permitted in assisted living facilities?
- Do assisted living facilities allow pets?
- Can residents come and go freely in assisted living?
- Is alcohol allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Are bed rails allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Can you have a car while living in assisted living?
- Can you smoke in assisted living?
- What are the rules for living in assisted living facilities?
- What is a community fee for assisted living?
- Are assisted living facilities currently allowing visitors?
- Can an assisted living facility require a guarantor?
- Do assisted living facilities accept individuals with a history of alcoholism?
- Are assisted living buildings required to allow support animals?
- Are assisted living contracts negotiable?
- Are assisted living facilities allowed to have DNRs (Do Not Resuscitate orders)?
- Are care plan meetings required in assisted living facilities?
- Are cooktops allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Are felons allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Are video cameras allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Can assisted living facilities raise room prices annually?
- Can assisted living facilities gain access to residents’ health records?
- Can assisted living facilities have overnight visitors?
- Can assisted living facilities prevent certain visitors?
- Can assisted living residents own a firearm?
- Can residents in assisted living facilities drive other people?
- Do assisted living facilities accept heart transplant patients?
- Do assisted living facilities have specific visiting hours?
- Do assisted living facilities require COVID vaccines for admission?
- Does an assisted living facility require tamper-resistant outlets?
- Does assisted living accept individuals with mental illness?
- How do dogs benefit those in assisted living?
- How long do assisted living facilities keep patient records?
- Is nicotine gum allowed in assisted living facilities?
- Should dogs be allowed to run loose in assisted living facilities?
- What are the responsibilities of assisted living facilities regarding bed bugs?
- What percentage increase in rent can assisted living communities charge?
- Where do assisted living patients go during hurricane evacuations?
- Who should be contacted with concerns about assisted living facilities?
- Why can’t CPR be performed in some assisted living facilities?
- Will assisted living facilities accept registered sex offenders?
- When Should You Move From Assisted Living to a Nursing Home?
- What are the characteristics of nursing care in assisted living?
- What is high acuity assisted living, and who is it for?
- Do assisted living facilities change diapers?
- Do assisted living facilities help with toileting?
- What care is provided in assisted living?
- How does hospice work in assisted living?
- Can a blind person live in assisted living?
- Can assisted living be temporary?
- Can you have a catheter in assisted living?
- Do assisted living facilities provide medical care?
- What are ADLs in assisted living?
- What is level five care in assisted living?
- What is respite care in assisted living?
- Can you have a feeding tube in assisted living?
- Can assisted living administer insulin?
- Can assisted living host total knee replacements?
- Can assisted living provide incontinence care?
- Can you be immobile in assisted living?
- How can assisted living prevent rehospitalization?
- Can you do rehab at assisted living?
- Can you live in assisted living with AIDS?
- Do assisted living facilities provide skilled nursing care?
- Do they bathe seniors at assisted living facilities?
- Can you be in assisted living in a wheelchair?
- How much assistance is provided in assisted living facilities?
- Is assisted living considered custodial care?
- Is assisted living considered a long-term care facility?
- Is bathroom assistance considered skilled nursing or assisted living?
- What does an assessment for assisted living entail?
- What is the highest level of assisted living before hospice?
- What medical needs qualify for assisted living?
- Will assisted living provide feeding assistance?
- What Are the Different Types of Assisted Living?
- How Does Assisted Living Work?
- Is Assisted Living Considered Long-Term Care?
- Can Anyone Live in Assisted Living?
- Is Assisted Living an Intermediate Care Facility?
- Is Residential Care the Same as Assisted Living?
- Is Senior Living the Same as Assisted Living?
- Is a Day Program Considered Assisted Living?
- Is Assisted Living Considered a Domicile?
- Is Assisted Living Considered a Convalescent Home?
- What Does RCF Stand for in Assisted Living?
- What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Assisted Living?
- Who Is Assisted Living Good For?
- What Leads People to Move into Assisted Living Facilities?
- Are Assisted Living Facilities Health Care Facilities?
Top Cities for Assisted Living
- Albuquerque, NM
- Allentown, PA
- Alpharetta, GA
- Ankeny, IA
- Appleton, WI
- Arlington, VA
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Bedford, NH
- Bellevue, WA
- Bend, OR
- Bethlehem, PA
- Biloxi, MS
- Birmingham, AL
- Boise, ID
- Bowie, MD
- Bowling Green, KY
- Bradenton, FL
- Broken Arrow, OK
- Brooklyn, NY
- Canton, OH
- Carmel, IN
- Centennial, CO
- Chandler, AZ
- Charleston, SC
- Charleston, WV
- Charlotte, NC
- Chattanooga, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Cincinnati, OH
- Clinton Township, MI
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Columbia, SC
- Columbus, GA
- Columbus, OH
- Crown Point, IN
- Dallas, TX
- Dayton, OH
- Denver, CO
- Des Plaines, IL
- Dover, DE
- Draper, UT
- Duluth, MN
- Durham, NC
- Edina, MN
- Edmond, OK
- Eugene, OR
- Fayetteville, NC
- Federal Way, WA
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- Forest Hills, NY
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Fort Worth, TX
- Framingham, MA
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Fresno, CA
- Glen Ellyn, IL
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Green Bay, WI
- Greensboro, NC
- Greenville, SC
- Greenwood, IN
- Hamden, CT
- Henderson, NV
- Hendersonville, TN
- Hillsborough, NJ
- Honolulu, HI
- Houston, TX
- Huntsville, AL
- Idaho Falls, ID
- Indianapolis, IN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Kansas City, MO
- Knoxville, TN
- Lakewood, CO
- Lansing, MI
- Las Vegas, NV
- Lawrenceville, GA
- Leominster, MA
- Lexington, KY
- Lincoln, NE
- Littleton, CO
- Los Angeles, CA
- Louisville, KY
- Loveland, CO
- Macon, GA
- Madison, WI
- Mandeville, LA
- Mansfield, OH
- Maplewood, MN
- Marietta, GA
- Medford, OR
- Media, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Mesa, AZ
- Miami, FL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Minnetonka, MN
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Mobile, AL
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Naperville, IL
- Nashville, TN
- New York, NY
- O Fallon, MO
- Ogden, UT
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Omaha, NE
- Orland Park, IL
- Orlando, FL
- Overland Park, KS
- Peoria, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Pikesville, MD
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Plano, TX
- Portland, ME
- Portland, OR
- Racine, WI
- Raleigh, NC
- Reno, NV
- Richmond, VA
- Rio Rancho, NM
- Roanoke, VA
- Rochester, NY
- Rock Hill, SC
- Rockford, IL
- Rockville, MD
- Sacramento, CA
- Saint George, UT
- Saint Louis, MO
- Saint Paul, MN
- Salem, OR
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Santa Fe, NM
- Sarasota, FL
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Seattle, WA
- Silver Spring, MD
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Sparks, NV
- Spartanburg, SC
- Spokane, WA
- Springfield, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Stamford, CT
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Syracuse, NY
- Tacoma, WA
- Tampa, FL
- Topeka, KS
- Tucson, AZ
- Tulsa, OK
- Valparaiso, IN
- Vancouver, WA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Voorhees, NJ
- Waldorf, MD
- Washington, DC
- Wayne, NJ
- West Hartford, CT
- West Orange, NJ
- Westlake, OH
- Westland, MI
- Wichita, KS
- Williamsburg, VA
- Williamsville, NY
- Wilmington, DE
- Winston-Salem, NC
- York, PA
Assisted Living by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming