15 Surprising Stats About Assisted Living

• Surprising stats about assisted living

• Here are 15 facts about assisted living.

• Common services offered at an assisted living community
• The benefits of assisted living
• Should you live in an assisted living community?

Surprising stats about assisted living

Assisted living communities are residential options for seniors. Residents receive help with daily activities, live in a home-like setting, and maintain their independence.

These communities, found in suburban and city areas, provide maintenance-free living. Staff handle cleaning and cooking. Residents also have access to personal care, social activities, and planned events.

Many types of assisted living communities exist. This variety means you can find a place that matches your preferences and needs, even if the choices feel overwhelming at first.

15 facts about assisted living

1. Assisted living communities provide 24-hour support and access to care.
2. More than 835,000 American seniors currently live in assisted living communities.
3. About 70% of residents are female, mostly non-Hispanic white, and age 85 or older.
4. There are nearly 1 million licensed beds across approximately 28,900 assisted living communities in the United States.
5. The average assisted living community has about 33 beds.
6. The average stay is 22 months. About 60% of residents eventually move to a nursing facility for more specialized care.

Residents need varying levels of help with daily activities—bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, walking. Most do not need round-the-clock nursing care.

1. Common assistance needs include:

• About 64% need help with bathing.
• Approximately 57% need help with walking.
• About 48% need help getting dressed.
• Roughly 40% need help using the toilet.
• About 29% need help getting to bed.
• Around 19% need help eating.

1. Many residents manage chronic conditions that don't require specialized nursing:

• High blood pressure: 52% of residents
• Arthritis: 42%
• Alzheimer's disease or dementia: 42%
• Heart disease: 34%
• Depression: 31%

Assisted living costs vary. Apartment-style living costs more than private or shared bedrooms. Standard rates typically cover meals, housekeeping, and 24-hour staff access. Specialized services may cost extra.

1. The average monthly cost is $4,000 (about $48,000 per year). Most residents pay through private resources like personal savings or long-term care insurance.
2. The national average for monthly room and board is around $3,300.
3. In 2020, Delaware had the highest cost for a one-bedroom unit, at $6,690 per month.
4. About 16.5% of residents use Medicaid to cover daily services, depending on their state's program. Medicaid typically covers personal care and supportive services but not room and board.

Good assisted living communities hire certified and experienced staff. Most have dedicated staff for individual residents or small groups. Some employ registered nurses on-site.

1. The assisted living workforce includes nearly 453,000 employees as of 2019.
2. The Southeast has the most senior housing communities, with 3,672 total. Warm weather, lower crime rates, and lower rents in states like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia attract many retirees to the region.
3. A survey of North Americans found that about 17% would move to a senior living community after age 80 if cost were not a concern.

Common services offered at an assisted living community

• At least three meals a day, often served in a common dining area.
• Housekeeping

• Laundry services
• Transportation
• Help with eating, walking, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and getting to bed.
• Social and recreational activities
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Medication management assistance
• Access to health and medical services
• 24-hour staff availability
• Emergency call systems in each living space
• Round-the-clock security

Some communities offer downsized apartment-style units; others have private or shared bedrooms. When choosing a facility, consider:

• The place feels safe and comfortable.
• Common areas are clean.
• Housekeeping is done regularly.
• Activities interest you.
• The food is appealing and nutritious.
• Other residents appear happy and active.
• Health emergencies are handled well.
• Staff members are friendly and attentive.
• The facility is licensed and meets your state's requirements.

The benefits of assisted living

Moving into an assisted living community doesn't mean losing independence or social connections. You gain support and peace of mind while keeping your privacy and maintaining your quality of life.

Benefits include:

• 24-hour support and care access.
• A care plan tailored to your specific needs.
• Privacy, safety, and security.
• Freedom to do activities suited to your abilities and travel when you want.
• Greater independence than nursing home care.
• Social engagement through activities and events.

Should you live in an assisted living community?

Leaving home is difficult. Think carefully about what matters to you. Talk it over with family or a close friend.

Consider moving if any of these apply:

• Family and friends can't provide the help you need with daily tasks.
• You feel isolated or lonely.
• Keeping up your home is too much work.
• You're worried about your safety.
• Getting around is difficult.

Your goal should be living well each day with fewer worries and risks. Needing help with daily tasks is not something to be ashamed of.

Statistics sources:

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