Assisted Living Checklist

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted Living accommodations, services and sizes vary widely. They may exist as freestanding facilities or as a component of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or Independent Living Communities.

The task of choosing the best retirement setting is often complicated even more by the confusing "assisted living" terms commonly used and the absence of any uniform definition of services. Assisted living facilities are not fully regulated by the federal government and each state sets their own licensing requirements, regulations and inspection procedures.

Lifestyle: Seniors that require some assistance with activities of daily living but wish to live as independently as possible and do not require skilled medical care on a regular basis.

Common Names: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Board and Care, Community Based Retirement Facilities, Personal Care, Adult Living Facilities, Adult Foster Care, Adult Homes, Congregate Care, Adult Congregate Living Care, Domiciliary Care, Supportive Care, Enhanced Care, Sheltered Housing and Elder Care Homes

Related articles by CarePathways.com RNs:

Article: Choosing the Right Assisted Living Facility
Article: When Is It Time to Move Your Loved One to a Care Facility
Article: Tips for Cutting Costs of Assisted Living
Article: What Does Assisted Living Really Cost?

Services: Assisted living facilities are designed to provide a special combination of personalized care, supportive services, and health-related services. They are also designed to minimize the need to relocate by accommodating an individual's changing needs and preferences. Residents are encouraged to function as independently as possible with some assistance from staff. Twenty-four hours a day supportive service is available to meet the planned and unplanned needs of the residents.

Although the types of services and level of care does vary, most facilities provide assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, ambulating, and monitoring of medications and dietary intake. Additionally, meals, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping are usually provided, however the amount of health care provided varies widely among facilities.

Although some facilities have medical care centers, the health care offered is not as intensive as that of the care in a nursing home. Assisted living is appropriate for someone who is too frail to live at home but does not require constant skilled care. Therefore this housing option exists to bridge the gap between independent living communities as described earlier, and skilled care as in nursing homes.

Assisted living is often deemed necessary when the person in question is sometimes confused or experiencing memory problems. Caring for residents with Alzheimer's or other dementia and disabilities is possible when a facility's design and philosophy is conducive to assuring their safety and autonomy.

Most assisted living residences develop a care or service plan custom tailored for residents upon their admission. These plans detail the personal needs required by the resident and the commitment of the facility to deliver such services. The plan is updated as needed to address changes in the resident's condition to assure the resident receives appropriate care.

Social, educational, and recreational activities are often offered similar to that as in independent living communities and retirement communities. As an individual's health declines, however this type of setting may no longer be appropriate and another setting may need to be considered.

Housing: Assistant living facilities come in all shapes and sizes, from single family homes with only a few residents, to large communities with hundreds of residents. They can be freestanding, part of a retirement community, continuing care community, or independent housing, and also affiliated with a nursing home. Choices vary from studio, single or double rooms, to suites or apartments, and are usually within a multiunit residential setting. Residents may have their own living quarters or they may choose to share their quarters with a spouse or roommate.

Note: The generic term throughout the country is "Assisted Living" and you may see it abbreviated ALF for assisted living facility. Every state has a different set of regulations governing their Assisted Living Facilities and most require some type of licensure and/or certification.

Payment Method: Most residents generally pay the cost for care from their own financial resources. They sign a residency agreement as they would when renting an apartment and likewise the rent varies according to size and location of living quarters, as well as amenities and services available. In addition the monthly rent may cover all services or there may be charges for services above the monthly fee when used. Some health care services may be partially reimbursed under specific prescribed circumstances depending on an individual's private health insurance coverage or long term care insurance policy. Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, and State Medicaid may also reimburse a limited amount of these health services provided.

Try our Needs Assessment and we will suggest the best care options for your individual situation.