What Does Assisted Living Provide?
Assisted living provides a place to for adults live independently within a community, but with some additional supportive services. For many people, assisted living services provide one-on-one help with the activities of daily living, including everything from getting dressed and eating to bathing.
Assisted living may also provide help with housework and preparing meals so that adults no longer have to feel the pressure to manage this on their own.
Why Choose to Live in an Assisted Living Community?
An assisted living community is a type of alternative housing for those who are older and want a bit more help with their needs throughout the day. It’s an ideal combination of independence and support, so adults can live the lifestyle they want without having to worry about daily activities that may grow harder for them over time.
If you do not require medical care or nursing care at home, an assisted living community may be a good option for you.
If you choose to live in assisted living, you can typically choose your accommodations. While some assisted living communities offer shared rooms or apartments, you’ll usually get to enjoy a private studio, one- or two-bedroom apartment. Want to see how that may look? Check out our assisted living floor plans.
Supportive Services to Keep You Independent Longer
While amenities and services enhance the lifestyle of residents in assisted living communities, the main service that people use is assistance with the activities they need to perform every day. For instance, you may need some help with some or all tasks at home to keep yourself healthy and safe. You may also benefit from some help within your home to keep it tidy and comfortable. These supportive services often include:
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing and eating
- Help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as transportation, cleaning and laundry
- Help managing medication
When you meet with the community management, you can choose the types of services you want and need. You do not need to use them all, but most often, the services you’re not using are available if your needs change.
Housing and Dining Needs
Most people who choose an assisted living community will find they are warm and welcoming places to live. Though the setup may be a bit different from one to the next, most focus on providing you with the privacy and freedom you want. You can enjoy your own apartment with a living space, bathroom and bedroom that will quickly feel like home.
When it comes to meals, there are often several options to choose from with assisted living services. Many people want to enjoy meals in their apartments but do not want to cook. That is an option for you. The staff can provide you with meals served in your home.
Another option is to use the dining rooms on the property. Assisted living communities offer areas for you to gather and talk to your friends while sharing a cup of coffee or meal. Most offer a private dining room where you can welcome your family in for meals as well. This is a good option for those times when you want to celebrate a birthday or holiday.
Recreational Activities and Services
Often, assisted living communities provide a wide range of activities for individuals to enjoy. This may include options such as:
- Walking paths and areas for outdoor relaxation
- Libraries where you can sit down and read
- Parlors for chatting with friends, family and neighbors
- Religious services, either provided onsite or at a local house of worship
- Gyms for fitness and classes for those that prefer group workouts
- Cardrooms and lounges to provide an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities
- Movie rooms and events held throughout the year
- Beauty salon and barbershop
Though the amenities will change from one location to the next, most assisted living homes offer a number of activities and planned events to keep individuals engaged in life around them. You can choose the types of activities that are right for you.
Other Amenities and Services
Assisted living communities can meet most of the needs of a person living there through their core services as well as supplemental amenities, which often include:
- Scheduled transportation
- Property maintenance
- Snow removal and landscaping services
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Scheduled events and activities
Scheduled transportation to area shops and grocery stores can give you a worry-free day out, for example. You can still head out on your own with a vehicle or with private transportation if you like, but with scheduled transportation you don’t need to worry about driving or traffic. You can simply relax.
Assisted Living Costs
Many factors play a role in the cost of an assisted living community. In most cases, there will be a single monthly fee that covers housing, dining and basic services. Exact pricing, however, will be determined based on the level of individual support services you need.
It is always best to request a specific assisted living cost for the location you are considering. The size, amenities, location and services you need all play a role in the overall cost of the service. Some may have additional fees for add-on services not already included in the plan.
The average cost for assisted living in New York is around $5,270 to $6,000 a month. Nationally, the average cost of assisted living is about $4,000 per month. For more details, check out our Staten Island assisted living costs.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Your Options?
Making the decision to choose an assisted living community is a big one. Our team at The Brielle can provide you with the information and support you need to make the right decision for your situation. With years of experience working with adults and their families through our assisted living and memory care community, we have all the information you need to make the right decision for your unique situation.
Reach out to us to learn more about what assisted living provides and what you can expect in our Staten Island assisted living community.