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The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) defines an Assisted
Living residence as a special combination of housing, personalized
supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs —
both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who need help with
activities of daily living.
Assisted Living may be the solution if your loved one:
- No longer
wishes to keep up with household maintenance.
- Feels their
home is too big for them.
- Finds that
driving has become increasingly difficult and stressful, so they
don’t get out and see people as much as they used to.
- Has difficulty
managing stairs or spend their time on only one floor.
- Needs help
with such everyday tasks as dressing, fixing meals, and cleaning.
- Has difficulty
remembering which medication they have taken.
Assisted Living residences can range from a high-rise apartment
complex to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. Residences
may be free standing or housed with other residential options, such
as independent living or nursing care. They may be operated by non-profit
or for-profit companies. Most facilities have between 25 and 120
units. There is no single blueprint, because consumers’ preferences
and needs vary widely. Units may vary in size from one room to a
full apartment.
Regulations and licensing regulations vary from state to state contributing
to the wide range of senior housing models considered Assisted Living.
Most providers and their staff have special training as a result
either of state requirements or company policy. Some states require
special staff certification and training. Residences must comply
with local building codes and fire safety regulations.
Services usually include:
- Three meals
a day served in a common dining area
- Housekeeping
services
- Transportation
- Assistance
with eating, bathing, dressing, toilet and walking
- Access to
health and medical services
- 24-hour security
and staff availability
- Emergency
call systems for each resident's unit
- Health promotion
and exercise programs
- Medication
management
- Personal
laundry services
- Social and
recreational activities
Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of services
needed by the residents. Across the nation, daily basic fees range
from approximately $150 to $200 — generally less than the cost
of home health services and nursing home care. A basic Assisted
Living fee 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 residences require long-term arrangements.
Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from
their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual’s
health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs
may be reimbursed. In addition, some residences have their own financial
assistance programs. Government payments for Assisted Living residences
has been limited. Some state and local governments offer subsidies
for rent or services for low income elders. Others may provide subsidies
in the form of an additional payment for those who receive Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Some states also utilize Medicaid
waiver programs to help pay for Assisted Living services.
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