Assisted Living 101
Assisted living is one of the most common types of senior living—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. That’s why we’re breaking it down for you. From what it is to how to pay for it and everything in between, our Assisted Living 101 covers what you need to know.
What Is Assisted Living?
Before you explore what’s included in assisted living or how much it costs, start by understanding the basics of what it is—and what it isn’t.
By Definition
Assisted living communities are licensed residential settings that provide housing; personal care; wellness, social, recreational, and health-related services such as nursing and dementia care; and 24-hour access to staff. These communities’ core principles include person-centered services and policies, as well as an adequate number of well-trained, supported staff. Person-centered services and policies promote quality of life, privacy, choice, dignity, inclusion and independence as defined by each individual and those who know them best.
Type of Care
The definition helps clarify assisted living, but it doesn’t tell the full story. At its core, assisted living centers on the care provided.
If you break down the term “assisted living,” it means exactly that—assistance with living. This includes everyday tasks that support independence, such as bathing, taking medication, using the bathroom, and getting dressed.
As you age, health and mobility challenges can make these tasks more difficult. In senior living and healthcare, professionals often call these tasks activities of daily living (ADLs). In assisted living, residents receive help with one or more ADLs.
Who Should Consider Assisted Living?
Now that you understand what assisted living is, consider who benefits from it.
Assisted living serves individuals who need help with some daily tasks. If you don’t currently need assistance with at least one ADL, assisted living may offer more support than you need. On the other hand, depending on your needs, it may not always provide enough support for more complex care.
What Is Offered in Assisted Living?
This is where you’ll see some of the biggest differences between communities. From accommodations to included services, options vary widely.
Accommodations
Assisted living communities typically offer two types of accommodations offered in assisted living: studios and apartments.
- Studios combine a bedroom and living space into one room
- Apartments separate the bedroom from a general living area
Bathroom options also vary. You may find fully private bathrooms, shared community bathrooms, or “Jack and Jill” setups shared between two residents. These shared arrangements are sometimes described as semi-private.
Kitchen options range just as widely. Some units include full kitchens, others offer kitchenettes, and some do not include kitchens at all. However, kitchens are often less important in assisted living because meals are provided. In fact, many people choose senior living specifically to avoid cooking and cleaning.
What’s Included in Assisted Living
Most assisted living communities include meals, often within the primary monthly fee, though some may charge additional costs depending on the facility.
Dining varies widely between communities. Some resemble family-style dining rooms, while others feel more like restaurants. Menu options may range from limited selections to flexible, always-available choices. Larger communities may even offer multiple dining venues.
Activities and Amenities
Activities—often referred to as activities or life enrichment.—are a hallmark of senior living. These can vary significantly from one community to another.
While bingo remains popular, many communities also offer activities like painting, woodworking, concerts, and happy hours. Most activities are included, though some—like dining outings—may require an additional fee.
Housekeeping and transportation are also commonly included services. However, details vary by community, so it’s important to ask questions.
Housekeeping often includes:
- Dusting
- Vacuuming
- Changing linens
- Laundry
These services typically follow a schedule, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
Transportation is usually available as needed. Communities may offer free group trips, such as grocery outings, as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments. Depending on the distance or time required, some trips may include an additional fee.
What Does Assisted Living Cost?
Assisted living offers a wide range of services—and costs can vary just as much. Even within one community, pricing depends on factors such as:
- Size of the unit
- Level of assistance needed with ADLs
- Contract structure
As of 2024, most assisted living costs range from $3,300 to $8,000 per month. At The Ohio Masonic Communities, prices range from $3,080 to $7,260.
How Do I Pay for Assisted Living?
Assisted living represents a significant expense. Even if you’ve spent years saving, you may still have concerns about how to cover the cost.
Unlike skilled nursing care, insurance typically does not cover assisted living. However, some individuals purchase long-term care insurance. Depending on the policy, it may cover a portion of assisted living costs. If you have a policy, review it with your provider or ask a senior living community for guidance.
Medicaid Waiver
Some communities participate in Medicaid Waiver programs. These programs differ from traditional Medicaid insurance and help older adults afford assisted living or memory care services.
Each program has specific rules, so check directly with the community for eligibility requirements. In many cases, residents must privately pay for an initial period—often referred to as a “spend down”—before the waiver begins reducing costs.
This process may also include a five-year financial review to ensure assets were not transferred to qualify. Once approved, residents typically pay a reduced monthly fee based on income and remaining assets.
What If Assisted Living Isn’t the Right Choice?
Assisted living works well for many people—but it’s not always the best fit. You may need more or less care, or a more specialized environment. Fortunately, other options exist.
Memory Care
Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia may need more support than traditional assisted living provides. In these cases, memory care may be a better option.
Memory care is usually a specialized form of assisted living. While many services remain the same, differences may include staffing levels, programming, and building design.
Memory care areas are typically secured to help protect residents who may wander. These environments create a safer, more structured setting.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also called a Life Plan Community, is a type of senior living community that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation. One major advantage of a CCRC is flexibility. You can move between levels of care without leaving the community. This allows you to plan ahead while maintaining stability.
Additionally, current residents often receive priority access if higher levels of care have waitlists. As a result, CCRCs provide both convenience and long-term peace of mind.
Ready to explore assisted living beyond our Assisted Living 101? The Ohio Masonic Communities offers assisted living at three locations across Ohio:
- Browning Masonic Community (Waterville)
- Springfield Masonic Community (Springfield)
- Western Reserve Masonic Community (Medina)
If you’d like to learn more, call (877) 881-1623 or contact us here.