About Senior Living
Although many people believe that aging parents benefit most from home care, living alone can be isolating and even frightening for older people. Many older adults thrive in a community environment, living with peers they can relate to and build relationships with.The following table describes the value and peace of mind that a senior living environment can provide compared with the burden of living on one’s own. Find out more about being ready for senior living.
| | SENIOR LIVING | WITHOUT SENIOR LIVING |
| Social Interaction | Offers daily activities to encourage social interaction with people who share similar experiences. | Seniors may feel isolated by living alone or with busy family members. |
| Transportation | Plans transportation for social activities, errands and doctor appointments. | Seniors may rely on family members as their only source of transportation. |
| Nutrition | Employs a full culinary staff to ensure delicious restaurant-style meals with a variety of options. | Seniors may rely on easily prepared meals rather than healthy alternatives. |
| Housekeeping | Employs a housekeeping staff and offers house cleaning, linen and laundry services as requested. | Seniors face the burden of maintaining a home. |
| Emergency Assistance | Staff members provide 24-hour assistance, and an emergency call system is located in each apartment. | Immediate help is often unavailable to seniors who live alone. |
| Exercise | Offers exercise programs that maximize mobility, strength and overall health. | Seniors may not have access to adequate exercise programs. |
Medication
(applies only to assisted living residents with medication assistance services.) | Offers assistance with medication to help remind residents to take their prescribed medication.* | Without assistance, seniors may miss very important medications. |
| Maintaining Independence | Offers assistance as needed and encourages residents to remain as independent as possible. | Seniors may become dependent on their families. |
* Service provided where allowed by state regulation.