Pros & Cons of Assisted Living Facilities

There are many options when it comes to tending to the needs of elderly family members and loved ones. For example, assisted living services aid disabled individuals and senior citizens in performing daily tasks. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities do not involve full-time nursing care.

Benefits

• In addition to assistance with bathing, dressing and medicine management, most assisted living communities offer three or more meals a day. Access to exercise equipment and entertainment facilities is typically available. Due to the community setting, individuals will not be living in isolation.

Problems

• Individuals may be uncomfortable moving into the new setting and possibly living with a roommate. Unfamiliar policies may also be displeasing; for example, pet restrictions could separate owners and pets.

Population

• In 2009, over 900,000 people were in the care of assisted living facilities. Most of those individuals were women with the average age of 86.