This article is reprinted with permission from SeniorAdvice.com.

By Lori Thomas, Associate Editor, SeniorAdvice

When it is time for seniors to transition to the next phase of their lives, many older adults find this means it is also time to transition to a new living situation, or to consider an assisted living facility. While some seniors may hear the words “assisted living” and panic, an assisted living facility is much different than a nursing home. It doesn’t mean they lose their independence and it doesn’t mean that they are going to a hospital-like setting. In fact, many seniors describe it like living in college dorms, only the residents are just a little older.