What is an Assisted Living Facility?
Assisted living facilities come in all shapes, sizes, and neighborhoods. This type of senior housing is sometimes mistaken for independent living communities; in that, they both offer senior apartments. Based on the resident’s varied preferences and needs, there are a variety of settings from which to choose. These choices range from high-rise buildings to one or two-story commercial premises to large multi-acre campuses. Assisted living facilities are also located in single-family homes, and duplexes referred to as residential care facilities.
The philosophy of an assisted living facility is to provide personalized, resident-centered care to meet their individual preferences and needs. Assisted living facilities are designed for individuals who require assistance with everyday activities such as meals, medication management or assistance, bathing, and dressing. Some residents may have memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s, or they may need help with mobility, incontinence, or other challenges.
Assisted living facilities offer residents comfort, freedom, privacy, and dignity, along with family involvement. Residents are encouraged to socialize and interact with people in and out of their facility. Resident family members and friends are invited to get involved in the assisted living community. Some facilities allow visitors to come at any time of the day and have overnight stays.
Assisted Living and Memory Loss
Assisted living facilities provide adequate care for individuals in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These individuals need more intensive support for areas of daily living. Many assisted living facilities have a designated wing or care center that offers specialized care and security for residents with memory loss. However, if or when your loved one’s dementia starts showing signs of progression, it will be time to change from an assisted living facility to a memory care facility.
Amenities, Services, and Activities
Amenities
• Exercise and wellness programs• Activity rooms for socializing
• Libraries
• Barber and beauty salons
• Kitchenettes
• Internet access
• Access to landlines
Services
• One to three meals a day• Monitoring of medication
• Personal care, including dressing and bathing
• Housekeeping and laundry
• 24-hour security/emergency call system
• Some medical services
• Scheduled transportation
Activities
• Scheduled movie nights• Social outings (parks)
• Organized games and crafts
• Fitness rooms and classes
• Social and recreational activities
The National Cost of Assisted Living
Most assisted living residences charge on a month-to-month lease agreement, but a few require long-term contracts. The cost of the monthly fee may vary based on the type of facility, geographical location, and the level of care an individual needs. The Genworth Cost of Care Survey in 2018 says that the national median cost for assisted living per month is $4,000, which breaks down to around $133 per day.
Assisted living facilities are often less expensive than home health or nursing home care in the same geographical area. Many assisted living residents today pay for long-term care from their financial resources. More seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs.
Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities
Policies define and govern what care and services are required for an assisted living facility to meet the standard of each state. Each state has its policies that define and dictate what care and services are needed for an assisted living facility to meet the state standards.
