If you’re considering moving to an assisted living facility, you’re probably wondering what it would be like to actually live in one. Or maybe you’re still trying to keep track of the difference between independent living and assisted living. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. There are a lot of options when it comes to senior living, so it helps to remember what assisted living is all about anyway. What Is Assisted Living? Assisted living is designed to help seniors maintain their independence while also providing assistance with activities of daily living, socialization opportunities, and a stimulating environment that benefits their mind, body, and soul. Assisted living facilities don’t provide 24/7 nursing care, but personal care is customized to the resident's needs and wants. Most assisted living facilities try their best to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging atmosphere for their residents. Although assisted living facilities differ by state, here’s what you’ll find at most assisted living communities: • Private or semi-private apartments • Prepared meals • Personal care services • On-site or on-call nurse • Housekeeping services • Activities and events • Transportation Even though not every day looks the same because care is tailored to the individual using personalized service plans, most assisted living facility residents will begin their day the same way — with breakfast. Click through the slideshow learn more about assisted living and what a typical day in assisted living could look like. But keep in mind that the amount and variety of activities depend on the size and focus of the assisted living community. Smaller facilities may offer less structured activities, while larger facilities may offer such a wide array of options that they require multiple schedules (one for physical, one for social, and another for interest-based activities).

1. What Does a Typical Day in
Assisted Living Look Like?
If you’re considering moving to an assisted living facility, you’re probably wondering what it
would be like to actually live in one. Even though there really isn’t a typical day, most assisted
living facility residents will begin their day the same way — with breakfast.

2. 8:00am Breakfast
You might be worried that assisted living strips
seniors of their independence, but that’s a myth.
Assisted living residents still have their own space,
just without any of the hassles. In fact, living in an
assisted living community is similar to having a
private apartment, complete with private bathroom
and kitchen. So for breakfast, some residents will
choose to fry their own omelets; however, most
residents prefer to walk to the dining room to start
the day with friends — and a fresh, locally sourced,
dietician-approved breakfast.

3. 9:30am Exercise Class
Exercise classes offered at assisted living
communities range from yoga, tai chi, TheraBand
exercises, and sit-er-cise, and most communities ask
for input from their residents on which activities
they’d like offered. Staying physically active helps
seniors improve their overall strength and boosts
their mood because the same core group of residents
often attend the same classes each day, which gives
them a chance to connect with others who have the
same interests as them and form friendships.

4. 10:30am Social Activity
Depression and isolation have become increasingly
common among today’s aging population, and they
come with significant health risks, which is why
assisted living communities provide an environment
for seniors to thrive and gain their independence
back by getting active and social once again.
Activities range from book clubs and painting
classes to card games and trivia challenges. For
those residents who are not interested in any of the
planned activities, there is time for quiet reflection
and meditation, a haircut, or visitors. In addition,
there are usually day rooms or lounges where
residents gather to talk and exchange views.

5. 12:00pm Lunch
What sounds good: BBQ ribs with cob corn, pasta
salad, and green beans or a garden vegetable burger
with steak fries? Or maybe today it’s grilled cheese
with tomato soup or a Philly steak and cheese
grinder with chips? Either way, quality assisted living
facilities don’t serve frozen, processed cafeteria
food. Instead, their menus feature unique specialties
that reflect the tastes of the residents who live there.

6. 1:45pm Shopping
Although communities offer on-campus
entertainment, they also provide off-campus
transportation to activities and attractions. One day,
they might offer transportation to the Stop and Shop
and CVS. The next day, it might be to a scheduled
activity, such as a concert, a movie, or to the bowling
alley. Some communities even offer day trips that
usually include an entertaining or educational
activity and a meal. If you don’t need to go to the
grocery store, you can use this time to make friends,
enjoy a cup of tea, or take an afternoon nap.

7. 4:00pm Happy Hour
Social hours before dinner are always a popular
part of the day. It can include special performances,
speakers, workshops, sing-alongs, cocktails
and conversations, and much more. Birthdays,
anniversaries, and holidays are celebrated, and
many assisted living communities offer a private
dining room for special events, such as birthdays,
Thanksgiving, or other celebrations.

8. 5:30pm Dinner
Like breakfast and lunch, dinner can be enjoyed
wherever and with whomever each resident prefers.
In the dining room, options range from oven-roasted
turkey with mashed potatoes and the vegetable of
the day or crab cakes with an edamame salad to
grilled swordfish in a lemon butter dill sauce with
fresh sautéed seasonal vegetables or a BLT sandwich
with fresh fruit. And don’t worry — there’s always
dessert. Does a Boston cream pie or strawberry
shortcake strike your fancy?

9. 7:00pm Movie Night
Things tend to start winding down after dinner, but
there is usually a movie shown in the theater or
Wii bowling in the community room. If you aren’t
interested in Golden Girls or I Love Lucy, you can feel
free to use the time as you please.

10. 8:00pm Personal Time
By this time of day, most residents are ready to turn
in or at least head to their own spaces for some
downtime in the evenings. Many residents take the
evening hours for personal care and grooming. And
bedtime is whenever you turn off the lights.

11. Request a Tour
The best way to experience a typical day at an
assisted living community is to schedule a tour. You’ll
tour residences and learn about the varied floor
plans. You’ll be shown the exercise center, beauty
salon, and any other amenities of interest. You can
even share a nutritious meal in the dining room and
be introduced to residents.
Making the move to assisted living is a big step.
If you want to see what the Arbors is all about,
REQUEST A TOUR TODAY.

12. Who We Are
Our customers take comfort in the fact that The Arbors is a locally owned family business. Our residents are
proud to call The Arbors home with our exceptional staff and the kind of experience that comes only from a
family owned and operated company who pays attention to the little details.
®The Arbors. All Rights Reserved.