by Tim Tuttle
Assisted living is the next step in the continuum of care. Much like independent living, assisted living communities provide seniors with a safe and secure living environment, quality food, access to social and recreational activities, and convenient access to services such as transportation and housekeeping.
In assisted living, however, residents also receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, managing continence, medication reminders, nail care, washing hair, and transferring — moving from one position to another such as from a chair to standing.
Many senior communities include independent living, assisted living, and memory care sections so that residents do not have to move from the community if they need to progress to the next level of care. Seniors often make the move to assisted living from private homes or independent living when they begin to need more help with basic needs.
While help with accomplishing ADLs can be obtained from homecare providers, having an individual available to assist in these tasks around the clock is expensive. Some people consider assisted living like a combination of independent living and homecare services — with the homecare services shared with others in the community. Since that resource is shared, it is difficult for communities to provide the speed of service compared to an individual caregiver located in the same room as the senior. That said, assisted living communities strive to have sufficient staff to respond quickly to their residents’ needs, and they almost always succeed.
Unlike apartments in independent living communities, assisted living apartments rarely have full kitchens, so the communities will serve three full meals. Communities also include housekeeping and laundry services in the rent.
Much like independent living, one of the biggest advantages of assisted living over living alone is the socialization seniors get from being around others their age. Many residents who initially resist moving into assisted living find the many entertainment options and social activities rekindle feelings of joy and belonging to a community.
The cost of rent in assisted living is heavily dependent upon factors such as the apartment size, community location, and amenities provided. A monthly rent estimate runs from $6,000 – $8,000. Due to the wide range in care needs among their residents, most communities have a separate charge for the care given. This additional charge typically starts around $500 per month but can be more depending on how much care a resident needs.
We can introduce you to – and tour with you – assisted living communities we trust to take care of you or your beloved family member.
Assisted Living Locators (ALL) South Nashville is owned by Tim Tuttle, a retired Air Force officer, the Commander of the Franklin Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of Franklin First United Methodist Church. Tim was inspired to open ALL – South Nashville five years ago after his mother’s experience needing care after a hospitalization. Tim’s teammate, Nancy Blankinship, is a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with seniors. Nancy’s a native Middle Tennessean who personally nursed a loved one through hospice to his passing. Tim has received accolades for his presentation to Franklin First United Methodist Church’s Adult Ministry Plus program. Please contact him at if you are interested in him providing instruction to your senior ministry program.
