Assisted Living Homes
From LoveToKnow Seniors
Assisted living homes allow seniors to maintain a form of independence without actually having to live alone. In fact, many families considering elder care for their elderly loved ones turn to assisted living situations.
What Are Assisted Living Homes?
People sometimes assume that once a senior citizen can no longer safely live alone, he or she must be placed in a nursing home or some other residential care facility. While senior housing is certainly a valid concern, there are other options. Some choose retirement communities. Others prefer senior apartments. Assisted living, however, is another very viable option.
Care Options
People who choose to live in a facility which provides assistance often simply cannot take care of themselves alone any longer. However, they are still able to do many things without the need of constant assistance. These facilities provide the security of having someone nearby round-the-clock without having to rely on the total care that is associated with nursing homes.
Assistance may include the following:
- Help with bathing
- Help with dressing
- Help with eating
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Cooking
Choosing the Right Facility
As you begin searching for a personal care facility for yourself or your loved one, you'll need to consider the following questions:
- What type of care will be offered?
- How big is the home?
- How many residents are allowed at the home?
- Is the home licensed through the state in which you are searching?
- What are the qualifications of the staff?
- What medical training has the staff received?
- How are emergencies handled?
- How are visitors and residents treated by the staff?
- What kind of meals will be served? What type of dietary accommodations will be made if necessary?
- What is the general appearance of the facility?
- How often is the facility inspected by the state, health department, social services, etc.?
- What activities are offered at the facility?
- What is the general appearance and health of the residents?
- What are the admission requirements, including cost, payment options, increases in fees, etc.?
- How often are patients' needs reassessed?
- Does the home encourage socialization and interaction among the residents?
- What type of transportation is available?
- What is the daily schedule of the residents?
- What type of exercise facilities, rehabilitation services, and physical therapy are offered?
- What amenities do the individual rooms/units have? Are they equipped with televisions, microwaves, individual bathrooms, sinks, refrigerators, etc.?
- What personal belongings are allowed?
- Are pets allowed?
- What terms and conditions are addressed in the facility's contract?
- What are the visiting hours?
- Are there any restrictions on the amount and frequency of visitors?
Expenses
Assisted living homes aren't cheap. Medicare typically does not pay for personal care facilities such as these. In some instances, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Insurance may provide some assistance with payment, however.
The average cost for this type of living arrangement can range from $75 per day on up. The costs typically cover room, board, utilities, general services, and meals. The amount of services, size of the facility and staff, and level of care will have a direct bearing on the cost as well.
Additional Resources and Info
The following Web sites will provide you with some additional information and resources. Some of the sites will also allow you to search for personal care facilities in your area.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,000 times. This page was last modified 06:46, 7 June 2008.
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