What Does Assisted Living Include?

Understanding what's included in assisted living helps you evaluate value and avoid surprises. This comprehensive guide details the services, amenities, and care you can expect in Douglas County assisted living communities.

Core Services Included in Assisted Living

1. Personal Care Assistance

The hallmark of assisted living is hands-on help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

• Bathing & Showering: Assistance getting in/out of tub, washing, drying
• Dressing: Help selecting clothes, putting on garments, fastening buttons/zippers
• Grooming: Hair care, shaving, oral hygiene, nail care
• Toileting: Assistance using bathroom, incontinence care if needed
• Mobility Support: Help walking, transferring from bed/chair, using mobility aids
• Eating Assistance: Cutting food, feeding if necessary, encouragement to eat

Important: Care is provided based on individual assessment. You pay for the level of care needed, not all services if you don't require them.

2. Medication Management

Professional oversight ensuring medications are taken correctly:

• Medication reminders and prompts
• Medication administration by trained staff
• Pre-filled medication organizers
• Coordination with pharmacies for refills
• Documentation of medication taken
• Communication with doctors about medication issues

3. Three Meals Daily

Restaurant-style dining experiences:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily in community dining room
• Menu choices at each meal (not one-size-fits-all)
• Special diets accommodated: Low-sodium, diabetic, vegetarian, texture-modified, etc.
• Snacks available throughout the day
• Flexible dining hours (not rigid meal times)
• Social dining environment with assigned or flexible seating

4. Housekeeping & Maintenance

Keeping living spaces clean and functional:

• Weekly apartment cleaning (floors, bathroom, dusting)
• Fresh bed linens provided weekly
• Trash removal
• Apartment maintenance and repairs
• Lightbulb replacement
• Pest control if needed

5. Laundry Services

Most communities include personal laundry:

• Washing, drying, and folding personal clothing
• Bed linens and towels
• Pick-up and delivery to apartment
• Special care items may have restrictions

6. 24/7 Staffing

Round-the-clock support for safety and assistance:

• Trained staff available day and night
• Emergency call systems in apartments and bathrooms
• Regular wellness checks
• Overnight assistance if needed
• Response to emergencies

7. Social & Recreational Activities

Robust activity calendars to promote engagement:

• Daily scheduled activities and programs
• Exercise and fitness classes
• Arts and crafts
• Games, cards, puzzles
• Entertainment (music, movies, performances)
• Educational programs and speakers
• Holiday celebrations and special events
• Social hours and gatherings

8. Transportation

Scheduled shuttle services for:

• Medical appointments
• Grocery shopping
• Pharmacy visits
• Community outings (restaurants, shopping, cultural events)
• Religious services

Note: Transportation is typically scheduled, not on-demand like a taxi service.

Standard Amenities

Private or Semi-Private Apartments

Your own living space including:

• Bedroom area with closet storage
• Private or semi-private bathroom
• Kitchenette (varies - some full, some partial, some none)
• Climate control (heating/AC)
• Emergency call system
• Window with natural light
• Space for personal furniture and belongings

Common Areas

Shared community spaces:

• Dining room(s)
• Living room/lounge areas
• Activity/recreation rooms
• Library or reading room
• Beauty salon/barber shop
• Fitness center or exercise room
• Outdoor courtyards or gardens
• Chapel or meditation space

Utilities Typically Included

• Heat and air conditioning
• Water and sewer
• Trash removal
• Basic cable TV (in many communities)

Health & Wellness Services

Wellness Monitoring

• Regular wellness checks by staff
• Monitoring of chronic conditions
• Coordination with healthcare providers
• Tracking changes in health status
• Communication with family about health concerns

Care Planning

• Initial health assessment upon move-in
• Personalized care plans
• Regular care plan reviews and updates
• Family meetings to discuss care
• Adjustments as needs change

Services That May Cost Extra

Beyond the base monthly fee, these services often incur additional charges:

Personal Services

• Beauty salon and barber services
• Manicures, pedicures
• Special personal shopping requests
• Private transportation (beyond scheduled shuttle)
• Guest meals for visitors

Healthcare Add-Ons

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
• Podiatry services
• Home health visits
• Hospice care (though often covered by Medicare/insurance)
• Specialized wound care

Level of Care Increases

As care needs increase, monthly costs may rise:

• Reassessments every 90-180 days determine current care level
• More intensive ADL assistance = higher tier/level
• Communities have 3-5 care levels typically
• Increases usually $500-$1,500/month per level

Other Potential Extra Costs

• Pet fees and deposits
• Second occupant fees (for couples)
• Premium apartment locations (view, first floor, etc.)
• Personal phone, internet, premium cable
• Community fees or activity fees

What You Should Expect (Quality Standards)

Quality Care Indicators

In a good assisted living community, you should see:

• Respect and dignity: Staff treat residents as individuals with preferences and history
• Responsive care: Needs addressed promptly, not ignored or delayed
• Clean, safe environment: Well-maintained building, no odors, proper lighting
• Engaging activities: Meaningful programs, not just bingo all day
• Quality food: Appetizing, nutritious meals that residents actually enjoy
• Communication: Staff keep families informed about changes or concerns
• Independence encouraged: Residents supported to do what they can for themselves

Your Rights as a Resident

Colorado law protects assisted living residents' rights including:

• Right to privacy and dignity
• Right to make choices about care and daily routine
• Right to visitors at reasonable times
• Right to manage own finances (if capable)
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation
• Right to review your care records
• Right to refuse treatment or services

Comparing What's Included Across Communities

Assisted Living vs. Other Options

Assisted Living vs. Independent Living

Independent living includes meals, housekeeping, and activities but NOT personal care assistance. Choose independent living if you don't need help with ADLs.

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Memory care includes everything in assisted living PLUS specialized dementia care, secured environment, and therapeutic programming.

Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care by licensed nurses. Choose skilled nursing for complex medical needs, post-hospitalization recovery, or conditions requiring constant nursing oversight.

Douglas County Assisted Living

Explore what's included in assisted living across Douglas County:

Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

When you add up everything included—housing, meals, personal care, activities, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and 24/7 staff—assisted living provides significant value for families who can no longer safely manage at home.

Compare the $4,500-$6,000/month assisted living cost to:

• Maintaining a home (mortgage/rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance)
• Hiring in-home caregivers ($20-30/hour × hours needed)
• Grocery shopping and meal preparation
• Housekeeping and lawn services
• Transportation costs
• Social isolation and lack of engagement

For many families, assisted living is cost-competitive with home care while providing better safety, social opportunities, and quality of life.