The Basics of Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities, what are they? What types of services do they offer? Should your loved one think about moving to an assisted living facility? Keep reading for the answers.

Assisted living facilities are fitting for people who don’t require much daily care. They are also known by other names such as residential care, congregate housing, boarding home, adult congregate care, or domiciliary care. Medical care doesn’t go beyond assistance with meds or the occasional skilled nursing care. Residents spend usually up to 3 years and eventually move on to nursing homes.

Here are some other reasons an individual might be discharged:

To move to another assisted living facility
Financial problems
To return home
For a hospital stay

Resident Rights

Assisted living facilities enable patients to stay self-sufficient as long as feasible in surroundings that increases the person’s autonomy, dignity, privacy, and security, as well as stresses loved ones and community participation.

As a rule, individual rights in assisted living facilities are:

Being cared for with respect and dignity
Personal privacy
Retention and utilization of own belongings
Uninterrupted practice of or abstinence from faith
Self-control of own money
Invoice of all evaluations of health care needs and medical care services
Freedom from neglect or physical or mental abuse
Option to connect with persons inside or outside of the facility
Representation in housing councils

Living Arrangements And Services

Assisted living facilities vary from state to state but here are some typical services offered:

Support with everyday living activities( washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, etc.)
Central eating programs which include 3 daily meals
Learning activities
Emergency call alarms in personal and common places
Physical exercises
Health and well-being services and medication administration
Cleaning and upkeep
arranged leisure activities
Individual and/or group laundry services
Social services and faith based activities
24-hour protection

Fees & Payment

Fees for board and care are generally lower than nursing homes. Depending on availability, location and size prices for assisted living can range from $500 to $3,500 per month with the average price being around $2,000.

The majority of individuals pay for assisted living without government aid, however a few states offer public help with fees by means of Supplementary Security Income, Medicaid or Social Services Block Grant programs.

Private long-term treatment insurance plan along with managed care programs might also help with expenses incurred while residing in this kind of facility. Medicare does not pay for assisted living facility charges.

Quality Of Care

When assessing an assisted living facility keep the following questions handy:

Exactly what services are being offered at this facility?

What is the set up of the payment plan?

Which programs are included with the basic monthly plan?

How are required services identified? How often will love one be reevaluated?

Who conducts the actual evaluations?

What is your policy about using outside services?

Is there a deposit? If so is it refundable when my love one leaves?

Will the fees reflect any changes if my love one’s needs increase or decrease?

If fees do change how much notice will I be given?

Will the fees increase even if my love one’s needs don’t increase?

Please fill out the form below to receive information regarding your inquiry. You can give us a call at 1-800-80-KARMA, or please bare with us while we reply to your inquiry.