Life Management Advisors - Assisted Living Information

Saunders & Saunders Advisory

What is Assisted Living and How Do I Choose an Assisted-Living Facitlity?

What is assisted living?

The wide range of assisted living options makes defining the term difficult. Generally, assisted-living facilities offer rental rooms or apartments, housekeeping services, meals, social activities, and transportation. Their primary focus is social, not medical, but some do provide limited medical care.

Assisted-living facilities may or may not be state-licensed, and primarily serve senior citizens who typically need more help than those who live independently. Other terms used to describe assisted-living arrangements are board and care homes, rest homes, and community residences. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life care communities, also fit loosely into this category, although they provide what other assisted-living facilities do not: long-term nursing care and guaranteed lifetime services.

Most assisted-living facilities create a service plan for each resident upon admission. The service plan should detail the personalized services you require, and the plan should be updated regularly to ensure that you, or your parent, receive the appropriate care as conditions change.

The cost of assisted living varies with the residence, apartment size, and types of services needed. The basic rate may cover all services, or there may be additional charges for special services. Most assisted-living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few require long-term arrangements. Most residents pay for the cost of care from their personal financial resources. Some costs may be reimbursed if you have long-term care insurance. Medicaid waiver programs help pay for assisted-living services in some states.

To find out more about assisted living, start by contacting your local area agency on aging (AAA). Contact the U.S. Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov to find the AAA office closest to you.

How do I choose an assisted-living facility?

Choosing an assisted-living facility for you or your parent can be challenging because you may not know what kind of help will be needed in the future. However, certain factors other than cost can help narrow your choices. The following considerations can help you with your search for the right assisted-living facility:

Is the facility close to family and friends?
Are there shops and businesses nearby? Is transportation provided?
Are social, recreational, and spiritual activities provided?
What kinds of personal care are provided? Is there help with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, eating, housekeeping, laundry, and medications?
What happens if you get sick? Can you be asked to leave the facility if your physical or mental health deteriorates?
Is the facility licensed or unlicensed? If licensed, check state reports.
What professionals are on staff?
Is there enough privacy and adequate security?
Is the facility well designed and safe?

To research a facility:

Visit the facility several times, and visit at least once unannounced.
Visit during mealtimes, and sample the food.
Observe and talk with the residents and staff.
Check with the Better Business Bureau and the state's long-term care ombudsman to see if any complaints have been filed.
If the facility is connected to a nursing home, investigate that too.