Who It's For
- Older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Medication management
- Mobility and transfers
- Meal preparation
- People who can no longer safely live alone but don't need 24/7 medical care
- Those who benefit from a structured, supervised environment
Housing & Setting
- Private or semi-private apartments or rooms
- Common areas for dining, socializing, and activities
- Designed to feel homelike rather than clinical
- Staff available 24 hours a day
Services Typically Provided
- Personal care assistance with ADLs
- Medication management and reminders
- Three meals a day in a communal dining room
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to appointments and errands
- Social activities and programming
- Emergency response systems
- Health monitoring by trained staff
What It Does NOT Include
- 24/7 skilled nursing care
- Complex medical procedures
- Intensive rehabilitation services
- Full memory care (though many facilities have a dedicated memory care wing)
Levels of Care
Most assisted living communities offer tiered pricing based on the level of assistance needed:
- Level 1 — Minimal help, mostly reminders
- Level 2 — Moderate assistance with several ADLs
- Level 3 — Extensive help with most daily activities
As needs increase, costs increase accordingly.
Cost
- Average cost in the U.S. ranges from $3,500 to $6,500+ per month
- Costs vary widely by location, amenities, and level of care
- Mostly paid out of pocket
- Long-term care insurance may help cover costs
- Medicaid may cover some costs depending on the state
- Medicare generally does not cover assisted living