User:Outerspacecarryon/Assisted living

Typical resident[edit]
An assisted living resident is defined as a resident who needs assistance with at least one of the activities of daily living.

A typical assisted living facility resident would usually be an older adult who does not need the level of care offered by a nursing home but prefers more companionship and needs some assistance in day-to-day living. Age groups will vary with every facility. There is currently a transformation occurring in long-term care. Assisted living communities are accepting higher and higher levels of care and nursing homes are becoming a place for those who are undergoing rehabilitation after a hospital stay or who need extensive assistance. Many assisted living communities now accept individuals who need assistance with all activities of daily living.

The "Overview of Assisted Living Report" from 2010 stated that 54 percent of assisted living residents are 85 years or older; 27 percent are 75–84 years old; 9 percent of residents are between 65 and 74 years; and 11 percent are younger than 65 years old. 74% of assisted living residents are female; 26 percent are male.

The typical resident varies depending on their personal situation, family life, and even between states. The "Family and Assisted Living" study by Gaugler and Kane showed that "20% of residents suffer from severe cognitive impairment, with roughly an additional 25% suffering from moderate cognitive impairment. Similarly, roughly 20% of AL residents are dependent on 3 or more activity of daily living dependencies". A survey by the national Center for Health Statistics determined that in the United States, "Residents are older, sicker, and more compromised by impairments than in the past: 55% are 85 and older, 77% require help with bathing, 69% with walking, and 49% with toileting". While many individuals that enter assisted living are capable on living mostly on their own, others need much more assistance and will rely on the staff in the center to help them perform everyday tasks. This is important to consider because not every resident needs or wants the same level of care. Some older individuals do not like as much help, or are upset about being in the facility because they might lose some of their autonomy, but it might be necessary to ensure that they are living safe and healthy lives.