WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING?    { Assisted living is the generic term used across the country}

Assisted living facilities are for people needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Assisted living exists to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. Residents in assisted living centers are not able to live by themselves but do not require constant care either. Assisted living facilities offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications. Many facilities also have centers for medical care; however, the care offered may not be as intensive or available to residents as the care offered at a nursing home. Assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home, but an intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors.

Most assisted living facilities create a service plan for each individual resident upon admission. The service plan details the personalized services required by the resident and guaranteed by the facility. The plan is updated regularly to assure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his or her condition changes.
The term used for assisted living facilities differs across the country. Other common terms for these facilities include:
· Residential care
· Personal care
· Adult congregate living care
· Board and care
· Domiciliary care
· Adult living facilities
· Supported care
· Enhanced care
· Community based retirement facilities
· Adult foster care
· Adult homes
· Sheltered housing
· Retirement residences

How Does an Assisted Living Facility Differ from a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are designed to care for very frail people that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements. Assisted living facilities are designed to assist elderly persons who are able to care for themselves except for a few activities. Assisted living facilities are often deemed necessary when the person in question needs help preparing meals, bathing, dressing, performing household chores, is sometimes confused, or is experiencing memory problems.