No more do you have to fear the dreaded "nursing home." As our loved ones age, there are so many assisted living options to choose from. Seniorly has compiled all of the information you could ever want in this 14 slide presentation. From types of communities, to understanding costs and more, this your ideal assisted living primer.

1. Find a Home to Love
Assisted Living 101

2. Table of Contents
• What is Assisted Living?
• What Type of Medical Staff is
Present?
• Licensing and Inspection
• The Social and Community Aspects
• Cost and Payment Options
• Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living vs. Independent
Living
• Next Steps

3. Assisted living can be defined as 24-hour non-medical care delivered in a residential setting. Previously known as nursing homes, the properties and amenities
have improved immensely over the years and so they are now called senior living or assisted living communities. These properties offer seniors room and board,
24-hour non-medical care, housekeeping, laundry services, social engagement, wellness programs, and much more. Assisted living communities can be large
hotel-like properties or single family homes (often called Board and Care or Residential Care Homes). The majority of assisted living communities are private pay
and offer month-to-month rental agreements.
Often, the decision to move into assisted living communities is made by the family or loved ones of the seniors that move into the communities. For more
independent seniors, or active adults, searching for themselves there are Independent Living or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC).
Many consumer advocacy groups like AARP share statistics that 90% of people want to stay in their own homes as they age. While that is a reality for many
seniors, the aging process is different for everyone. As people experience increased daily care needs, cognitive decline, social isolation, and/or the desire for a
maintenance free lifestyle, assisted living communities can be the most desirable option.
What is Assisted Living?
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4. 02
WhatIsAssistedIsLiving?(con’t)
Your loved one will still maintain the all-important feelings of freedom, minus the challenges that can exist with
mobility, transportation, cooking, social activities, cleaning, medical care, and more.
Activities such as exercise classes, group dinners, day trips, art classes, and more, allow for regular
socialization and new friendships in any community.
Common activities in most communities include:
Assisted Living can be the right balance for seniors who want to be independent, but also need
some day-to-day assistance and care.
Musical performances
There’s no need for extra transportation, class registrations or additional coordination to enjoy extracurricular
activities. Depending on the type of community selected, dozens of daily activities and events will be on site, or
just a short stroll (or wheelchair ride) away.
• Art classes
• Day trips
• Shopping excursions
• Dances
• Aerobics
• Religious services
• Movie nights
• Bingo
• Tai Chi

5. 03
WhattypeofMedicalStaffIsPresent?
Though every community is different, dedicating themselves to different levels of care and services, most Assisted
Living communities will offer regular activities, on-site non-medical health care, comfortable living spaces, and
prepared meals. Some communities that focus on higher acuity care may have licensed nurses on staff, while others
focus on dementia or memory care and may have cognitive specialists.
All communities should provide daily needs such as:
Seniors should expect their own private residences with most
communities offering studios or one-bedroom apartments.
Couples also can live together, and some communities,
especially the smaller ones, do offer shared rooms for more
economic value. And no need to leave a pet behind as many
communities allow dogs, cats and fish to come along with
their faithful owners.
Always ensure the senior living community you choose is
completely certified with a reliable, upbeat staff of managers,
nurses, caregivers, and other personnel. When asking
questions, there should be no hesitation to prove total
compliance of regulations.
• Mobility assistance
• Medication monitoring
• Bathing
• Getting dressed
• Incontinence care
• Transportation
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Social engagement
• Wellness/Mental health programs
• Meals

6. 04
LicensingandInspectionRequirements
Each state has its own
licensing agency responsible
for inspecting and certifying
each Assisted Living
community. Visit out website,
www.Seniorly.com, for a full
list of regulating agencies by
state, as well as a full list of
certifications you should
always ask to see.

7. ExploringTheSocialandCommunityAspects
Many assume that making the step away from their “old life” and into Assisted Living means the end of a social life
and autonomy. This is far from the truth. Any Assisted Living community worth considering should amplify the
amount of activities residents can enjoy, and can deepen peer and familial relationships.
It’s been proven that maintaining social connections are essential to keeping senior minds sharp and healthy. It also
helps to stave off depression and other mental problems, which can be a serious issue for older adults.
Though your loved one may currently seem more than content with the familiarity of their own home, the ability to
easily enjoy meals with friends, learn new skills, and interact with their peers daily often becomes a priceless, life-
extending amenity.
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In addition, families can now relax and enjoy each precious minute
together. Rather than stressing about whether all their needs are
being properly met, or trying to care for your loved one on your own,
spend time together assured of their safety and happiness.

8. ConsideringCost&Payment Options
As of 2017, the national median rate of Assisted Living per month for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3750.
The cost can easily differ depending on where you live, or the level of service your loved one requires.
That comes to about $43,000 a year. That may sound like a big number, but once you add up all current
living costs, you may be surprised that there are often notable savings.
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There are also many ways to find that perfect balance of
price, services, and comfort. With a wide range of
community, from the basic to the luxurious, choosing an
Assisted Living community that fits your budget without
skimping on care and amenities is possible.

9. 07
Basic Boutique Luxury
This is a great option for
seniors on a budget desiring
a simple, no-frills lifestyle.
Activities and amenities are
often minimal, but still expect
complete comfort,
professionalism, and
cleanliness.
The sweet spot of price and
comfort. These communities
offer private living, expanded
medical care, high-quality
meals, and a wider variety of
amenities and activities.
If money is no object, this
level of resort-style living
allows seniors to enjoy life
like they’re on vacation.
Expect top-notch 24/7
medical care, fine dining,
large apartments, concierge
services, endless activities,
etc.
In general Assisted Living communities fall under 3 pricing levels:

10. Cost&Payment Options
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Do keep in mind that all levels of care should be safe, secure, friendly, and 100%
certified. No bargain is worth risking the wellbeing of your loved one.
FinancialAssistance
If you’re still unsure if Assisted Living can
realistically fit into your budget, look into the
many financial aid options available.
Government services like Medicare,
Medicaid, or Veterans Assistance can
be valuable tools in making Assisted
Living affordable. Many communities
also offer special payment plans,
programs, and other strategies to
help your loved one live in their ideal
community.
If you are interested in learning more
about the different costs that go into
assisted living, explore our resource
on the costs of assisted living here.

11. HowAssistedLivingVariesfromOtherCareOptions
Also commonly called Skilled Nursing, there is a definable difference between Assisted Living communities and Nursing
Homes, though many use them interchangeably. According to the CDC, over 50% of Nursing Home residents have
either Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Most residents also spend the majority of their time sedentary.
In contrast, most Assisted Living residents maintain active lifestyles needing only basic daily services such as bathing,
mobility assistance, on-site medical care, etc. Allowing seniors to lead active, independent lives while also aiming to
make daily life simpler and safer is the primary goal of Assisted Living communities.
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Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes
Nursing Home Assisted Living
Private Living x
24-Hour Medical Assistance x
Medication Monitoring x x
Regular Activities x x
If your loved one needs significant daily care, or suffers from noticeable effects of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a
Skilled Nursing Home may be the better choice. However, if they desire a more independent lifestyle and require
relatively minimal assistance, Assisted Living may be just the right balance.

12. HowAssistedLivingVariesfromOtherCareOptions(con’t)
Seniors choosing to live in Independent Living vs. Assisted Living typically require very little, if any, daily assistance.
Unlike Assisted Living, residents of these communities can get around, cook, bathe, clean, and manage the majority of
their life without extra care. This provides the largest amount of independence. Hence, the name.
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Assisted Living vs. Independent Living
Independent Living Assisted Living
Private Living x x
24-Hour Medical Assistance x
Medication Monitoring x
Regular Activities x x
Independent Living also provides the largest amount of day-to-day social activities, offers on-site medical services, and
provides a safe, secure community. Living spaces are usually larger, apartment-style quarters with full kitchens, outdoor
areas, private rooms, etc.
Unlike Assisted Living, services Independent Living often won’t provide include bathing, memory care, mobility services,
on-going medical treatments, and more. Though Assisted Living communities will organize many social and enrichment
activities, they are often more structured than activities in Independent Living.
If your loved one currently lives a very self-reliant lifestyle with few medical needs, and is simply searching for a safe,
active community of senior peers, Independent Living may be the perfect fit. For those striving for a large degree of
independence, but with some daily assistance, Assisted Living might be the ticket.

13. NextSteps
Think Assisted Living might right for you or your loved one? Visit www.Seniorly.com to explore one of
the three articles below to help narrow down your search:
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Evaluating Assisted Living
Communities
Understanding the Cost of
Assisted Living
Frequently Asked
Questions About Assisted
Living

14. Let’stalk
We’d Love to Hear From You
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To speak with our complimentary Concierge Team, or to learn more about listing your
senior living community, please call us at (855) 866-4515
Find a Home to Love
www.seniorly.com