Deciding whether assisted living is the right choice for you or an elderly person in your life is never easy.
There are a lot of factors to consider, including how assisted living compares to other forms of care.
Choosing to move to assisted living is highly personalized, and will depend on the needs of each individual.
Assisted living is often seen as a support system that allows seniors to retain independence and increase socialization.
However, it can be expensive, and may not offer the level of medical assistance needed.
There are many options available for seniors today, and each needs to be given considered thought.
In this guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of assisted living, and what life in a facility can provide.
Understanding the advantages and drawbacks can give you a complete view of assisted living, to help you decide if it’s the right choice.
The Advantages Of Assisted Living
Assisted Living Allows For Freer Living
There are many seniors who struggle to accomplish everyday tasks by themselves.
Outside assisted living, this can seriously hinder their ability to cope with daily life, leading many seniors to give up on activities and freedoms they once enjoyed.
In an assisted living facility, these seniors will find they get the help they need, allowing them to live their lives to a better standard.
Trained staff members are around when help is required, and can take a step back when they aren’t necessary.
Assisted living facilities are particularly useful for those who find it hard to ask for help.
When they have comfortable access to the staff in an assisted living facility, asking for a guiding hand is easier.
Assisted Living Increases Social Opportunities
Loneliness is a serious issue among elderly people, who might struggle with the physical pressures of socializing.
Loneliness can have a major impact on our mental health, and those who go without social interaction can struggle with their well-being.
In an assisted living facility, socializing is easier. The community feel of an assisted living facility connects residents with their neighbors, and regularly scheduled activities can keep the social calendar full.
Assisted living facilities provide activities and events to keep residents happy, busy, and active.
Conversations flow freely, and some facilities will even offer residents a chance to develop new skills.
With that said, assisted living also helps seniors to maintain their privacy.
Instead of being constantly forced into interactions, those in an assisted living facility have their own space for some me-time.
Assisted Living Adapts To You
Assisted living isn’t a one size fits all style of care. Instead, they provide personalized care to each individual.
When a person first moves into an assisted living facility, they may find they rarely need any help.
But as time goes on, the staff are there to offer assistance as necessary, and the amount of care can increase as needed.
Assisted living doesn’t offer the same level of round the clock care as nursing homes.
However, the staff should be able to adapt quickly to changes in a resident’s care package, to ensure a safe and comfortable home.
Assisted Living Develops Independence
Some seniors resist entering assisted living, believing it will limit independence, but it actually does the opposite.
Entering an assisted living facility will allow residents to receive the help they need as it’s needed.
They don’t have to rely on neighbors or family members to get around.
And with this extra help, the senior residents can get on with enjoying life.
Assisted Living Can Be More Cost-Effective Than A Nursing Home
Assisted living is typically less expensive than a nursing home, while still providing exceptional care and a greater level of freedom.
However, while assisted living might be cheaper than a nursing home, it can still be expensive.
The Disadvantages Of Assisted Living
Assisted Living Can Be Expensive
The average cost of assisted living is thought to be around $3,500 a month.
A stay in an assisted living facility might cost upwards of $40,000 a year, and it won’t be covered by most insurance providers. For some, assisted living simply isn’t an option.
The cost of assisted living does vary from state to state, and it does depend on both the facility and level of care offered.
Shared rooms are typically cheaper, although they do reduce the level of privacy on offer.
Assisted Living Doesn’t Offer Complete Medical Care
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities don’t provide around the clock medical care.
In fact, many places will only have a small number of trained medical professionals on staff.
Instead of providing complex medical care, assisted living staff are supposed to deal with basic needs.
While for some seniors this will be enough, assisted living centers can’t meet the needs of everyone.
Those requiring more complex care are often ill-suited for assisted living.
Over time, worsening conditions can also necessitate a move from assisted living to a nursing home.
Another downside of the reduced medical care is the response to accidents and emergencies.
These might not be treatable on-site, requiring expensive hospital care.
Assisted Living Can Lack Privacy
Assisted living may provide a greater level of privacy than other forms of care, but it still isn’t as private as living at home.
And the level of privacy offered is dependent on the facility itself.
While some will have the option of private rooms and private bathrooms, other assisted living homes will only provide shared rooms.
Assisted living also runs to a schedule, and this is dependent on the needs of everyone.
Waking up times, meal times, and scheduled events will all be planned by the facility. This can lead to some seniors feeling they lack control over their lives.
Final Thoughts
Assisted living is ideal for some seniors who are looking for a greater level of independence, increased opportunities for socialization, and some degree of care.
However, the expense, lack of medical staff, and reduced privacy might turn away other seniors.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the drawbacks and advantages of assisted living, so you can make an informed choice.
