Assisted living facilities are suitable for individuals who need minimal daily care. In terms of medical needs, minimal daily care should be considered as assistance with medication or intermittent skilled nursing care.

Assisted living facilities allow individuals to remain independent for as long as possible in an environment that maximizes the person’s autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety. It also emphasizes family and community involvement. Most assisted living facilities continue to allow residents to use tobacco and consume alcohol, keep small pets or to interact with facility-owned pets, allow visitors at any time during the day, and allow overnight guests at the discretion of the resident.

 

Assisted living residents usually live in their own semiprivate or private apartments, which include a furnished or unfurnished bedroom, kitchen area, and bathroom. Various types of apartments are available such as private studio apartments, one-bedroom private apartments, one-bedroom shared apartments, and dormitory-style bedroom arrangements.

 

The majority of assisted living facilities also contract with home health agencies to provide skilled nursing care and with hospice providers as may be necessary.