Assisted Living FAQ: Your Guide to Making the Right Choice

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of senior housing designed for individuals who want to maintain their independence but need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals. At The Avalons, assisted living is more than care; it’s a community. Our residents enjoy a safe, home-like environment with access to round-the-clock support, enriching activities, and personalized wellness plans. It’s a lifestyle that balances freedom and security.

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

Seniors who:

• Need help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Are mobile (with or without assistance)
• Do not require 24/7 skilled nursing care
• Want social engagement and a structured environment

At The Avalons, our team works with each family to assess a loved one’s medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs. We design a personalized care plan to ensure every resident receives just the right level of support.

Does My Loved One Need Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?

Assisted living is ideal if your mom:

• Needs some help with daily routines but is generally in good health
  
• Can participate in activities and engage socially
  
• Wants more independence than a nursing home provides

A nursing home may be more appropriate if she:

• Requires ongoing medical care from licensed nurses or therapists
  
• Has advanced cognitive decline or complex medical conditions
  
• Needs frequent medical supervision and specialized equipment

Still unsure? We can help. Schedule a complimentary assessment at one of our Avalon locations in Bridgewater or Hillsborough, and our experienced team will help guide you to the right level of care.

What's the difference between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

Assisted living and nursing homes both support seniors, but they serve very different needs.
Assisted Living:

• Focus: Helps with activities of daily living (ADLs)—like bathing, dressing, and medication management—while promoting independence.
• Level of Care: Best for seniors who need some support but don’t require round-the-clock medical attention.
• Environment: Feels more like home, with private apartments, shared dining, wellness programs, and social activities.
• Medical Care: On-site nurses may assist with medications and monitoring, but advanced medical care is not provided.
• Cost: Typically more affordable than nursing homes and offers more flexibility based on care needs.

Nursing Homes:

• Focus: Delivers 24/7 medical care and supervision for individuals with serious or chronic health conditions.
• Level of Care: Intended for those who need skilled nursing care, post-surgical recovery, or long-term medical management.
• Environment: More clinical in nature, with licensed healthcare staff available at all times.
• Medical Care: Provides comprehensive care including wound care, IV therapy, physical rehabilitation, and disease management.
• Cost: Generally more expensive due to the higher level of medical support required.

Which is right for your loved one?

If your loved one is mostly independent but needs help with daily routines, assisted living at Avalon of Bridgewater or Hillsborough may be the perfect fit. If they require continuous medical care, a nursing home might be more appropriate.
Need help deciding? Our experienced team is here to guide you with compassion and clarity. Schedule a personalized consultation today.

Who qualifies for assisted living?

(Yes, it's worth repeating because it's such a common concern.)

​Assisted living is a great fit for seniors who:

• Need help with bathing, dressing, or medication
• Don’t require constant medical care
• Thrive in social settings and structured daily routines
• Want freedom with a safety net

If your loved one seems isolated, forgets medications, struggles with cooking, or has had a recent fall, it may be time to explore assisted living. At The Avalons, we provide a warm, family-like environment where residents feel both supported and empowered.

Learn more about our campuses:

​Avalon

​Bridgeway

“Avalon has far surpassed both my Mom’s and our family’s expectations. All of the staff members are professional, knowledgeable, attentive, gracious, and sincerely care about my Mom and all of the other residents.”

“It feels like my Dad has his own place when he turns that key and enters his room. That means so much when you know you can no longer live on your own.”

“The care at the Avalon is top-notch, but the staff is also caring. They are truly professional and everyone seems genuinely interested in the residents’ well-being.  It doesn’t matter what department, be it housekeeping, the aides, activities, nursing or administration, the 
commitment is obvious.”