We provide this free financial resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

Approximately 1.15 million people currently live in assisted living settings throughout the United States. Assisted living is a long term care alternative for relatively independent seniors or individuals with manageable disabilities who offer 24 hour supervision but need only limited health care and daily assistance.

A survey by the National Center for Assisted Living in 1998 revealed that approximately 75 % of all assisted living residents are female, with ages generally ranging from 64 to 97. Approximately 26% of all assisted living residents need no daily living care but others needed help with housework, daily medication and personal care.

Many seniors move to an assisted living residence after a period in a hospital or rehabilitation center when the freedom and independence of private living is once again feasible. Assisted living centers allow the individual to retain and use their personal possessions, control their finances and receipt of health benefits, interact freely with other residents and the community and even organize resident councils.

Many assisted living communities now offer settings as lavish as a country club or an upscale apartment complex. Services usually found at resorts, such as spas, beauty parlors and organized tours can be found.

How do you find assisted living communities?

Usually, all it takes is watching a few hours of television commercials or reading through a daily newspaper to identify an assortment of assisted living facilities in your area. When you start out looking for the right one for you, have your questions in hand and do some research into services provided.

It's easier and more comforting to have first hand knowledge of the communities you'll consider for your future home. Your personal physician, clergyman, social worker, financial advisor and friends may all have knowledge of assisted living residences in your area. Additional sources of information are your state health or welfare departments, the senior action centers, the AARP, the National Center for Assisted Living, the Office on Aging, and a helpful web site: www.elderweb.com.

What to look for in assisted living residences

It all depends on your current level of independence and your desire for a balance between privacy and the need for assistance. The best plan is to make a list of your needs and desires. Remember, you must select a residence based on your specific needs; you can't change a residence to meet your needs.

Call around first and visit the most likely locations more than once. Speak with the administrator, staff and other residents before making any final decision.

See if the grounds offer you a sense of peace of mind and the social areas give you a sense of belonging. Building and landscape architects, geriatric specialists, psychologists and psychiatrists have likely contributed to the design of the right community which will help you feel at home.

Typical services and activities