One Senior Place
Assisted Living Facilities - What You Should Know...
What is Assisted Living?
Simply put, Assisted Living Facilities provide just that - assistance in the routine aspects of living. A residence that provides a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to help with the activities of daily living.
More than a million Americans live in an estimated 20,000 Assisted LIving residences throughout our nation. Assisted Living Facilities may be for-profit or non-profit, free standing or housed with other residential option, such as independent living.
Costs vary greatly, depending on the size of the room accomodation, services needed by the residents, etc. Primarily Assisted Living is paid for with private funds but some assistance may available through the Medicaid Waiver program, long term care insurance or VA Benefits.
There are several different licenses that impact the type and level of care provided -
- Standard License
- Limited Nursing Services (LNS)
- Extended Congregate Care (ECC)
Each level of care listed above increases the amount of services provided in the setting. Standard License allows basic care and assistance. Limited Nursing Services include some limited nursing services such as the application and care of routine dressings, catheterization and other services. Extended Congregate Care (ECC) provides the most care, allowing the facility to care for residents who have increased need for care allowing the resident to age in place.
In recent years, dementia specific Assisted Living facilities have developed which address the unique needs of the dementia client offering a secure unit, specially designed activities and other services geared to the memory impaired client.
With the increase in the options for Assisted Living the consumer is offered a wide selection range, allowing a more personalized approach in the selection process. Consider the most critical elements needed. ...is it room size, type of activities, quality of food, location, or type of care provided that are the most important factors in the selection process? These elements may vary for each individual but are a good starting point as you begin your search.