Although many people believe that aging parents benefit most from home care, living alone can be isolating and even frightening for older people. Many older adults thrive in a community environment, living with peers they can relate to and build relationships with.The following table describes the value and peace of mind that a senior living environment can provide compared with the burden of living on one’s own.
| | SENIOR LIVING | WITHOUT SENIOR LIVING |
| Social Interaction | Offers daily activities to encourage social interaction with people who share similar experiences. | Seniors may feel isolated by living alone or with busy family members. |
| Transportation | Plans transportation for social activities, errands and doctor appointments. | Seniors may rely on family members as their only source of transportation. |
| Nutrition | Employs a full culinary staff to ensure delicious restaurant-style meals with a variety of options. | Seniors may rely on easily prepared meals rather than healthy alternatives. |
| Housekeeping | Each employs a housekeeping staff and offers house cleaning, linen and laundry services as requested. | Seniors face the burden of maintaining a home. |
| Emergency Assistance | Staff members provide 24-hour assistance, and an emergency call system is located in each apartment. | Immediate help is often unavailable to seniors who live alone. |
| Exercise | Offers exercise programs that maximize mobility, strength and overall health. | Seniors may not have access to adequate exercise programs. |
Medication
(applies only to assisted living residents with medication assistance services.) | Offers assistance with medication to help remind residents to take their prescribed medication.* | Without assistance, seniors may miss very important medications. |
| Maintaining Independence | Offers assistance as needed and encourages residents to remain as independent as possible. | Seniors may become dependent on their families. |
* Service provided where allowed by state regulation.