Assisted Living

Assisted living offers help with the non-medical aspects of daily activities in an atmosphere of separate, private living units. It can be likened to congregate living for residents less able to function independently in all aspects of daily living.

In addition to providing meals, transportation for medical appointments, activities, and pleasure trips, assisted living may provide:

• Linens and personal laundry service
• Assistance with dressing and bathing
• Reminders regarding medication
• Reminders regarding medication

Some residences offer services on an "a la carte" basis, creating opportunities for greater control over one's life. Choice availability offers living arrangements with flexible and shared risk or responsibility. Assisted living should offer opportunities to be as independent as residents are capable of, or willing to be.

This is a life style for those who are cognitively impaired, while physically capable; or those who are mentally capable but have motor or balance difficulties.

Medicare will not cover costs related to Assisted Living, as it will not cover similar services contracted by you in your own home.

For a congregate facility to offer assistance with aspects of daily living, most states require licensing. Check with your state licensing office to find if assisted living is licensed separately, the agency responsible for licensing and the criteria used.

Some congregate communities contract with licensed outside services to perform assistance, enabling them to offer assisted living services within a congregate setting. Some of these licensed providers are also available for home hire.

A CONSUMER CHECKLIST OF IMPORTANT SERVICES, AMENITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS IN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

Assessing an Assisted Living residence as you tour the facility:

• As you arrive at the residence, do you like the location and outward appearance of the residence?
• As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the decor attractive and homelike?
• Did you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the residence?
• Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the residence?
• Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy
• Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the residence and staff?
• Do the residents seem to be appropriate house mates for you?
• Are the staff appropriately dressed, personable and out-going?
• Are staff members that you pass during your visit friendly with you?
• Are visitors welcome?
• Is the community well-designed for residential needs?
• Is the residence clean, free of odors & comfortable?

Needs assessment, contracts, costs & finances:

• Is there a written plan for the care of each resident?
• What is the procedure for assessing a potential resident's needs for services and are those needs reassessed periodically?
• Can a resident be discharged for refusing to comply with a care plan?
• When may a contract be terminated and what are refund policies?
• Are there any government, private or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
• Is a contractual agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care and supportive services?
• Are additional services available if the resident's needs change?
• Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
• How do you pay for additional services such as nursing care when needed on a temporary basis?
• What are the billing, payment and credit policies?
• May a resident handle their own finances with staff assistance if able or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so?
• What is the policy on insurance and personal property?

Medication/health care:

• What is the residence policy regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff and record keeping?
• Is self-administration of medication allowed?
• Who coordinates visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc., if needed?
• Are staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation or judgment loss?
• Does a physician or nurse visit the resident regularly to provide medical checkups?
• What is the procedure for responding to a resident's medical emergency?

Features of individual units:

• Are different sizes and types of units available?
• Are units for single and double occupancy available?
• Do residents have their own lockable doors?
• Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?
• Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers?
• Are residents able to bring their own furnishings for their unit and what may they bring?
• Do all units have a telephone and cable TV and how is billing for those services handled?
• Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink and cooking element?
• May residents keep food in their units; is smoking permitted?

Social & recreational activities:

• Is there evidence of an organized activity program such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc?
• Do residents participate in the neighborhood community?
• Do volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help with or conduct programs?
• Does the residence require residents to undertake any chores or perform specific activities that benefit all residents?

Food Service:

• Does the residence provide three nutritiously balanced meals a day, seven days a week?
• May a resident request special foods?
• Are there common dining areas?
• Are snacks available?
• May residents eat meals in their units?
• May meals be provided at a time a resident would like or are there set times for meals?