There are many living options for those who do not wish to age in place. Independent living and assisted living are among the most popular.
Assisted Living
Put simply, assisted living (AL) is for those who need assistance with everyday tasks. Residents within AL facilities will receive assistance with activities of daily living. Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, and continence. Should you or a loved one need assistance with any of the ADLs, assisted living may be right for you.
The ADLs mentioned above:
- Bathing: refers to an individual’s ability to bathe and shower alone.
- Dressing: refers to an individual’s ability to get dressed, as well as choose appropriate clothing for the day.
- Toileting: refers to an individual’s ability to use the toilet alone, but also clean one’s self following use.
- Transferring: refers to an individual’s ability to move from one chair or bed to another on their own, this can be with the aid of a walker.
- Eating: refers to the individual’s ability to feed one’s self as well as make appropriate nutritional choices.
- Continence: refers to an individual’s ability to maintain continence and use the bathroom appropriately.
Monthly Cost
Compared to independent living, assisted living is more costly. The median cost of AL across the nation is $4,100 per month. However, there are options for those who have initiated a long term care insurance policy. In order to trigger use of a policy, individuals must need assistance with two or more ADLs. Therefore an individual living in AL, needing assistance with two or more ADLs may qualify for all or a portion of their rent to be covered by the policy provider.
Is It Right for You?
Many often wonder if assisted living is truly right for them. The decision is dependent on a number of factors.
- Do you wish to age in place?
- Is independent living an option for you?
- Do you need assistance with one? Two? Three or more ADLs?
If aging in place isn’t for you and you need assistance with multiple ADLs, assisted living might be right for you!
