Assisted Living

Assisted living is a form of housing for the elderly that combines largely independent living with onsite services such as transportation, meals, access to regular medical attention, assistance with personal care and on-call emergency medical care in a group setting. Dr. Benyamin Schwarz, in his book Aging, Autonomy, and Architecture, states "Through a different philosphy of care and a different configuration of the setting, assisted living strives to maximize tenant dignity, autonomy, privacy, and independence."

Adult day care programs devise care plans for people who come to the centers. They offer services such as trips, meals, and activities and provide medical and therapeutic services. The people in the program will usually receive breakfast, a snack, and lunch sometimes catered and other times prepared by participants, or staff. Transportation is either provided by the program, contracted out to a independent company, or the individual arranges their own transportation.

Certified adult day care programs offer:

• A full range of occupational, speech, and physical therapy
• Activities that stimulate all senses
• A mix of mental and physical activities
• Physical activities which engage motor skills