Assisted living facilities are one type of residential care option for older adults. In this article, we’ll define the term “assisted living facility” and explain how they relate to nursing home abuse. 

Key Takeaways

• Assisted living facilities are residential options for older adults who need help with activities of daily living
• Assisted living facilities balance independence with personal care services
• Assisted living facilities commonly offer services such as group dining, social activities, exercise programs, and housekeeping
• Residence options in assisted living facilities range from converted homes to shared bedrooms
• The average annual cost of accommodation in an assisted living facility was $51,600 in 2021, a cost not covered by Medicare
• Assisted living facilities are different from nursing homes, which offer round-the-clock medical care and supervision
• Residents of both assisted living facilities and nursing homes and their loved ones are encouraged to be aware and careful of nursing home abuse

What Is an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living facilities are places where older adults who need help with some of the activities of daily living can reside. These activities include:

• Cooking meals
• Going to the bathroom
• Housekeeping
• Running errands

Assisted living facilities are a good choice for people who need more personal care services than they can get at home or in an independent living community, but don’t need the 24-hour medical care and supervision of a nursing home. In this way, assisted living facilities seek to strike a good balance between safety, security, and independence. 

Assisted Living Facility Benefits, Accommodations, and Services 

Assisted living facilities offer a number of benefits, including:

• 24-hour support and access to care
• Privacy and independence
• Disability accommodation 

Most assisted living facilities to include accommodations and services such as:

• Group dining areas serving three meals a day
• Common areas for social and recreational activities
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom and walking
• Housekeeping services
• Round-the-clock security
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Transportation
• Emergency call systems in each resident’s living space
• Medication management
• Laundry services
• Access to health and medical services

Residence options vary from converted homes to apartments to single bedrooms to shared bedrooms depending on the cost and the facility’s offerings. 

Who Are Assisted Living Facilities For?

Assisted living facilities are recommended for people to whom the following statements apply:

• Having issues with transportation 
• Worried about safety
• Feeling lonely or isolated at home
• Needing more help than family and friends can provide
• Struggling to maintain a home 

Cost of Assisted Living Facilities

The cost of assisted living facilities depends on a number of factors including the level of care required, the location, and the type of housing. The median annual cost of assisted living facilities in the United States was $51,600 in 2021. Residents can stay for a long-term stay or as little as one month. Note that standard Medicare coverage does not pay for assisted living facilities. 

Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Home Abuse

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are not the same things. Nursing homes are more focused on providing medical and personal care, and the setting may feel more clinical. In contrast, assisted living facilities to provide mostly personal care and the setting is more home-like and social. 

That being said, residents of assisted living facilities and their loved ones should still be aware of the risks of abusive conduct within the facility. This is defined as any intentional harm or injury done to a resident. 

If you or somebody close to you have experienced abuse in an assisted living facility, it’s important to report it to the proper authorities as soon as possible. You are also encouraged to speak to a nursing home abuse attorney, who may be able to use their expertise to help you determine whether you might have a legal case and can recover compensation for your injuries and suffering.