Woah! Assisted living is NOT a nursing home. Maybe thats why theres so much concern in some of the posts here.
Assisted living is basically an apartment building with a few modifications that you might not even notice, like red bell pulls to summon help.
Generally, the apartments are just like any other apartment! Except maybe the doors are wider (to accommodate wheelchairs), housekeeping, meals downstairs, or not, handicapped showers...
You pay rent, just like an apartment.
The apartments Ive been in have full kitchens, opened to a living/dining area. These are not gourmet kitchens (though maybe some facilities have that, too), but are otherwise complete, including stove, microwave, fridge....no problem baking a batch of cookies for visitors or neighbors. Kitchen knobs will be easy to reach.
The apartments can be studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms. Ive visited my aunt at a place where she and her husband had adjoining units, and the wall was taken down between them. That way, they could each have their own stuff.
There are different ways for handling laundry. Linens may be provided.
Some folks never eat downstairs....
Many assisted living places are like resorts....swimming pool, gardens, activities, pampering.
You usually pay extra for skilled nursing or have to arrange your own (at your expense) with an outside organization.
Hope that clarifies. Were talking about a structured, protected environment that eliminates some of the crazy in the world outside. Were talking neighbors, people keeping an eye on things, and whatever level of attention you need. And were talking about having a home, not a hospital bed.
I continue to think this is a genius plan. But assisted living is not to be confused with a nursing home.
Now I see someone else has responded to the misconception about assisted living. But the distinction between that and a nursing facility needs to be clear.