Assisted Living

Synonyms

Domiciliary care; Residential care

Definition

Assisted living is a care arrangement that provides intermittent supervision and instrumental support to individuals unable to live independently but not requiring the level of care provided in conventional nursing facilities.

Current Knowledge

Assisted living arrangements may take place in structured assisted living facilities, small group homes, or an individual’s own home or the home of a family member. These arrangements have as their goal the preservation of a degree of autonomy and privacy at home or in a home-like setting. When sited in one’s home, assistance may be provided by a combination of paid caregivers, family members, and other paid or unpaid assistants to help with housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and transportation. Assistance provided may include supervision for safety, medication management, meal preparation, and accompaniment and assistance during community-based activities. Assisted living facilities may also...