Senior assisted living made simple

Finding the right care option for an ageing loved one can feel overwhelming, but senior assisted living offers a balance between independence and support.

Designed for older adults who need some help with daily tasks but do not require full-time nursing care, assisted living provides a safe and comfortable environment with tailored services.

But how do you know if assisted living is the right choice? This guide explores what senior assisted living involves, who qualifies, its advantages and drawbacks, and how to find the right option for you or your loved one.

What is senior assisted living?

Senior assisted living is a housing option designed for older adults who need some support with daily activities while maintaining their independence. It provides private, self-contained accommodation with access to additional services such as cleaning, shopping, laundry, and meal preparation.

Assisted living is offered by many retirement living providers that can offer additional support for those that need it.

It may also include personalised care services, such as help with dressing, bathing, and medication management. Unlike residential care homes, assisted living allows residents to live in their own space while benefiting from on-site support and a community environment.

In the UK, assisted living—also known as extra care housing—varies in the level of services offered, with some developments providing 24/7 care and emergency assistance. Many facilities also include social spaces, organised activities, and restaurant-style dining to promote a fulfilling and independent lifestyle.

What is classified as assisted living?

Assisted living encompasses a range of housing options, from self-contained flats and apartments to retirement communities that group housing with support services. These residences provide older adults with a blend of independence and personalised care.

Many assisted living properties are private and secure, ensuring a safe environment for residents. Some also feature a range of amenities, such as hair salons, bistros, libraries, gyms, and landscaped gardens, enhancing both comfort and quality of life.

Benefits of senior assisted living

There are many benefits associated with senior assisted living. These include:

Additional care and support

Assisted living provides tailored support to meet individual needs, whether it’s help with daily tasks, housework or medication management. This personalised approach ensures residents receive the right level of care while maintaining as much independence as possible.

On-site care team

Most assisted living communities have a dedicated on-site care team available 24/7 to offer help when needed. This ensures that residents always have access to professional support, providing reassurance for both them and their families.

Amenities and facilities

Many assisted living developments include a variety of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life. These may include restaurants, cafés, hair salons, libraries, gyms, and beautifully maintained gardens, creating a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Help during emergencies

With emergency call systems and staff on hand, assisted living provides a safe and secure environment. Residents can receive assistance in case of falls, health issues, or other emergencies, offering peace of mind for both them and their loved ones.

Socialising

Loneliness can be a challenge for older adults, but assisted living creates a strong sense of community. Social lounges, organised activities, and group events encourage residents to connect with others, form friendships, and maintain an active social life.

Disadvantages of senior assisted living

While there are many advantages associated with senior assisted living, it also has its downsides. We discuss this in more detail below:

Limited support

While assisted living offers support with daily tasks and some aspects of personal care, it does not provide the higher level of care and supervision available in a care home.

Therefore, if you have an ongoing health condition that severely limits mobility, cognition, or requires more rigorous medical supervision, this type of accommodation may not work best for you. Non-emergency support may also be available on a scheduled basis at times that may not always be convenient for you.

Privacy limitations

Constantly having carers or support staff around can make it feel as though you have less privacy. Although it is nice to know that the support is there, you may find there are times when you prefer solitude or independence without frequent check-ins. Striking the right balance between assistance and personal space can sometimes be challenging.

Restricted visit times

While the high level of security in senior assisted living is a key benefit, it can also make arranging visits more difficult due to the strict visiting hours in some facilities.

This means you may not always be able to receive visitors as often as you’d like, which could make it harder to celebrate special occasions or spend quality time with loved ones. However, it is important to note that rules around visiting times vary depending on the retirement development so it is worth checking with the provider in question before making your choice.

Senior assisted living services

The exact type of help and support you will be offered in assisted living facilities depends on your needs, and the retirement development in question. However, there are services that are typically offered by assisted living developments. 

The services may include things such as:

• Washing
• Medication administration
• Household tasks
• Dressing
• Shopping
• Socialising
• Personal care
• Laundry

How can I find a senior assisted living provider?

If you are looking for an assisted living provider, Autumna can help. On our website, head over to the search bar and select the grey retirement living button. Here it is important to note that although not all retirement living providers offer the kind of support that senior assisted living does, our filters allow you to search for the ones that do.

After typing your location into the search bar, you will then be able to select the level of support you need. This includes domestic help, personal care and companionship.

Our additional filters section allows you to select the specific types of support you need, and you can even choose the facilities, and the security level of the home in question. You can also choose whether you want a provider that has a care home on-site in case your care needs change and you need additional support.

Since assisted living isn't available in every retirement housing option, using these filters ensures you find a provider that matches your requirements.

Providers that are part of the Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) provide care services in addition to accommodation. Our platform also allows you to search for care homes that are ARCO-approved under the additional filters section.

You can also use our shortlisting tool and answer a few questions to be matched with an even more personalised list of providers. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly and helpful team of advisors on 01892 335 330.