Understanding Assisted Living

Assisted living offers the chance for adults who struggle to provide for their own daily needs to live as independently as possible while maintaining safety and security. Many assisted living communities offer customized care plans, which allow individual residents to work with staff to set goals and parameters to meet unique needs.

While assisted living does provide for access to nursing care and assistance and 24-hour staff that's available when needed, many seniors that choose to reside in an assisted living community are able to live a fairly independent life. They may be able to come and go via their own vehicles, plan and maintain their own schedules and have guests.

What Type of Services Are Common in Assisted Living Communities?

Most states have requirements for the basic levels of care and services that assisted living communities must provide, including options for assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating or bathing. But many assisted living communities go beyond the basics to offer services including, but certainly not limited to:

• Scheduled transportation to appointments or for group outings or shopping
• Help managing chronic conditions or medications
• Options for group exercise or support for individual fitness goals
• Activity calendars including options for social interactions, games, crafting times and other events
• Prepared meals, often in dining rooms or restaurant-style spaces that support socialization

Who Might Assisted Living Be Right For?

Assisted living may be a good choice for older adults who can still live somewhat or even mostly independently but need some assistance with daily activities or managing medical issues. Life in a vibrant, active assisting living community can also be great for seniors looking to be more social and active.

Learn more about Assisted Living at Bethesda Senior Living Communities.