Are Assisted Living Facilities Furnished?

As we age and our health starts to decline, many of us may eventually move into an assisted living facility. While these communities offer support and care to older residents, there are a lot of factors to consider before transitioning. Among these decisions is what to bring and whether the room will be furnished. 

Assisted living facilities provide home-like room and board for residents who need help with various activities involved with daily living. Room size and accommodations generally vary. Though some assisted living facilities may provide furnished rooms, this isn’t typically the case. 

When transitioning to assisted living, it’s essential to know what to expect so everything runs smoothly. Keep reading for everything you need to know about furnished assisted living facilities.

Are Assisted Living Facilities Furnished?

Assisted living facilities come in many forms and offer a variety of different services and amenities. 

For the most part, you can expect to have some sort of space that is assigned to you for the length of time that you will be staying. You can also expect support and care for various daily activities such as medication management, toileting, bathing, meals, etc.  

There are many different types of assisted living facilities. Some offer shared living quarters with fully furnished rooms, while others function more like a private apartment unit. 

As a general rule, it is a good idea to call the facility and schedule a tour before making a final decision. We Care Senior Solutions can help you narrow down your choices based on your Location preferences, Care Needs, and Financial Abilities.  We can then schedule tours and often accompany you on each of the tours. This is when you’ll be able to view the space you or your family member will possibly be staying in and ask questions such as what to bring and what to expect.  

Type of Assisted Living Facility Matters

An assisted living facility is simply a home-like residential community that offers assistance to those who need support with daily activities. However, there aren’t very many requirements on what exactly these facilities need to offer. 

For this reason, there are several different types of assisted living facilities. And the facility type is important when it comes to how you live while you’re a resident there. 

The different types of assisted living facilities to consider include:

• Private apartments
• Condos
• Private rooms
• “Wired” rooms
• Shared rooms
• Memory care rooms

Of these facilities, shared and private rooms are the most likely to come furnished. Memory care rooms and wired rooms are also usually furnished since residents in these communities tend to need a high level of assistance. 

Private apartments and condos will typically need to be furnished by the resident. However, there are some luxury assisted living communities that may include furniture at a higher price point.

Furniture to Expect at an Assisted Living Facility

Depending on the community, the types of furnishing provided can vary.  Most assisted living facilities offer unfurnished rooms unless more care is required. However, this doesn’t mean that other amenities aren’t included. 

For example, many facilities have community use areas such as a kitchen, dining room, fitness center, media room, and courtyard. These areas are generally furnished to provide comfort to the residents. 

If there is furnishing provided in the private living space, you can usually expect the basics. This includes a bed, side table, TV, and dresser.   

What to Bring to an Assisted Living Facility

If your facility of choice is unfurnished, then this is your opportunity to make the space your own. You’ll want to start with taking any medical conditions into consideration. For example, if mobility is an issue, choose a bed that isn’t too high off the ground. 

It’s also a good idea to check out the size of the room or apartment before investing in furniture. Many assisted living facility spaces are much smaller than what we are used to. You’ll want to make sure that the furniture fits in the space and allows you to move around comfortably. 

Though it may bring some comfort, not everything from home should come with you. Clunky items like entertainment centers or large accent pieces may clutter up the space and cause a safety concern. 

Take into account which amenities are offered at the facility as well. If there is a fitness center, then there really isn’t any need to bring along your stationary bike from home. 

Final Thoughts

Planning a move from independent living to an assisted living facility is stressful enough on its own. It becomes even more so if you aren’t sure what to bring or what you will need. 

While most assisted living communities offer furnished rooms, keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. As mentioned above, the communities that do offer furnishings are providing you with the basics such as a bed, dresser, nightstand, and lamp.  While these are great starters, if you are looking for a long-term community for your loved one, it is always recommended that you provide their own furniture, accessories, pictures, etc.  You will want to make sure their new home feels like home! Your best bet is to give We Care Senior Solutions a call so that you know exactly what to expect as you embark on this new adventure.