Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living

What is Assisted Living?
Why is Assisted Living called the “nursing home alternative?”
Who is right for Assisted Living?
What is the average Assisted Living resident like?
Why do seniors stay healthier and happier in Assisted Living?
What services are provided?
Are social and cultural activities organized?
Can visitors stay overnight?
What about emergencies?

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a supportive senior living option that promotes each individual resident’s independence and personal dignity in a safe, home-like environment. Help with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing and meal preparation, along with medication monitoring, is personally tailored to each individual’s changing needs. Residents are completely involved in decisions regarding their care and services. Assisted Living is a wonderful option for seniors who no longer wish to live alone or may need some help, but who don’t need or want institutionalized care in a nursing home.

Why is Assisted Living called the “nursing home alternative”?

Assisted Living promotes independence and emphasizes wellness in a warm, dignified, community setting. Nursing homes take care of people who are sick and need round-the-clock skilled nursing care. Their institutionalized settings are often not conducive to encouraging independence. Health care experts estimate that up to 30% of elders residing in nursing homes actually do not need round-the-clock care. Assisted Living offers them a place to call home that offers more cheerful surroundings, privacy, space and dignity than is typically found in a nursing home, and at a lower cost.

Who is right for Assisted Living?

Seniors who are frail but not sick and who need some help with daily activities such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring, are appropriate for Assisted Living. Geriatric experts estimate that nearly 1/3 of people age 85 and older need some assistance with these types of daily living activities.

Many seniors simply want to live independently without the worries of home maintenance, shopping and cooking on a daily basis or just do not wish to live alone any longer. They are appropriate for Assisted Living, too.

What is the average Assisted Living resident like?

Most Assisted Living residents lived within 3-5 miles of the community prior to moving in, or have family who live close by. The average age of an Assisted Living resident is 84. Approximately 80% are women and 20% men, although that differs from community to community. Approximately 90% are widowed or single, although more and more married couples are choosing to live in Assisted Living. They are independent and active, participating in the community’s social and wellness programs. Many of them take advantage of the community’s personal care assistance and benefit from medication reminders and monitoring (the average resident takes a minimum of two medications daily). Those residents who don’t need personal care assistance enjoy Assisted Living’s other services, such as housecleaning, laundry, meals, and a dynamic social, cultural and wellness activities program.

Why do seniors stay healthier and happier in Assisted Living?

There are four major reasons:

Personal Wellness Care: We have professional nurses and a trained staff to supervise and assist with the self-administration of medications. We keep track of changing medications and dosages and watch for reactions to medications. When appropriate, we contact our residents’ personal physicians and keep them informed about any medication-related concerns and changes in health.




Healthy Diets: Too often, people living alone fail to cook or eat properly nutritious meals. At our Assisted Living communities we home-cook all our meals under a menu prepared by our Registered Dietitian to ensure nutritional balance.




Companionship, Independence and Home-Like Surroundings: Assisted Living encourages companionship and a sense of independence in a place that feels like home. Good friends, a strong sense of self-worth and comfort are the best medicines of all.




Recreational Activity: Active, involved people are more alert and healthy, which is why we offer a comprehensive array of recreational and social activities for our residents. 

What services are provided?

There are many services available and residents get to choose which services they need and want (and pay for). Assisted Living provides meals, personal care assistance (help with showering, dressing and personal hygiene), medication reminders, weekly laundering of towels and bed linens, trash removal, weekly housekeeping, social and cultural activities, wellness programs including daily exercise classes, and more!

Are social and cultural activities organized?

Residents plan their day to the fullest by selecting from a wide array of activities and enjoying entertaining and educational events. Our Social Program, developed with resident input, offers many opportunities for residents to spend time with each other, pursue individual interests, and host their families and friends at our special gatherings. How residents decide to spend their days is always a personal choice, respected by our staff.

Some of the activities you’ll find in our communities include: musical entertainment,
shopping & sightseeing excursions, intergenerational programs with local schools & scout troops, daily exercise classes, spiritual discussion groups, men's & women's clubs, educational programs, current event group discussions, painting, cooking & computer classes, and gardening!

Can visitors stay overnight?

Your Assisted Living apartment is your home. Visitors are welcome at any time. 

What about emergencies - is there a personal emergency response system?

Our residents' health and safety are our primary concerns - we have an emergency call system in every apartment in every community we manage and trained health professionals on-call 24 hours a day.