Assisted Living (ALF)

Look for certain characteristics in the design of a senior community to gauge how socially engaged the residents may be.

Most seniors can’t cover the monthly costs of assisted living on their own. How do families decide whether adult children should financially contribute to their parents' care, and, if they do, who pays how much?

Many retirement communities use creative techniques to help residents make friends, settle into a routine and feel comfortable in their new home.

It can take a few weeks for a new resident to adapt to their surroundings, meet neighbors and staff, and personalize their living space. Use these strategies both before and after the big move to make sure this transition goes smoothly for everyone.

When touring assisted living facilities, skilled nursing, even independent retirement communities, caregivers may feel like they're getting a bit of a sales pitch during their visit. Here are 12 questions to ask senior living community residents.

To help you find the best choice in assisted living, here is a list of basic questions to ask when you are comparing assisted living communities for your elderly parents. Print a checklist for each assisted living community you visit.

Finding activities that appeal to elderly men can be tricky, but senior living communities are offering more hobbies and amenities geared towards male residents. See how activity calendars are changing to ensure all residents are content and engaged.

An assisted living activity calendar should include a variety of hobbies and events designed to help improve seniors’ well-being and quality of life.

Wondering who is allowed to dispense medication in an assisted living facility? Laws vary by state. Each state has its own regulations that determine which healthcare works can give medication. In some cases, its a nurse practitioner, but in others it could be a nurses assistant or aide.

Seniors who only require help with activities of daily living and remain in assisted living communities for many years may run the risk of depleting their savings. So, what happens when a resident can no longer afford the costs of assisted living?

Whether your loved one goes into an assisted living facility willingly or needs some encouragement, adjusting can be a challenge. Work as a team with your family and the staff to promote a smooth and comfortable move.

Moving your elderly parent into an assisted living facility is never easy, but it can be made less painful for caregivers, family and most importantly, the elder.

Taking the time to research assisted living facilities before talking with resistant elders will help you understand the options and ensure the discussion goes smoothly.

This little-known senior living option can provide similar services to an assisted living facility but in a smaller, home-like environment.

Home care and community care each offer different benefits and services. Understand home care versus community care and learn what’s right for you.

In-home care, adult day care, respite care, and home safety equipment are alternatives to assisted living that allow seniors to age in place safely.

There are personal, professional, ethical and legal aspects to consider when deciding whether to use so-called “granny cams” to monitor the care seniors receive in their own homes and in long-term care facilities.

When faced with the prospect of moving to a senior living community, aging loved ones make their objections very clear to family and friends. Experts share how to respond to the most common excuses seniors use to avoid discussing assisted living.

After moving to senior living, family caregivers are often surprised to find their once-social parents refusing to participate in activities and isolating themselves from other residents. Here are some ways to help ease the transition into senior housing.

Caregiving doesn’t end once a senior has moved to a long-term care facility. Now it’s up to you to be their advocate, visit regularly and follow up to determine if the senior living facility you chose lives up to your expectations.