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.
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 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 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.
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
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.
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