Assisted living combines the best of both worlds, offering residents the freedom to maintain their independence while knowing that personal care and support services are readily available when needed. These communities are designed to assist with daily living activities (ADLs) like bathing, grooming, and dressing. In California, assisted living facilities can also provide medication assistance and reminders, offering peace of mind to residents and their families.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities do not offer complex medical care. They vary from standalone residences to being part of a larger CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). The welcoming and home-like environment is often a key attraction for both potential residents and their families.
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Assisted living residents are usually seniors who have had a slight decline in health in some way and need assistance performing one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). Seniors who would like to live in a social environment with little responsibilities and a place where care is easily accessible whenever the senior may need it are the type of seniors you will find in an assisted living community. Statistically, the most common resident of an assisted living community is a female in her mid-eighties.
Independent living is a level of care that is below assisted living. Independent living communities are considered to be any form of housing that is targeted to seniors over the age of 55. Independent living can include apartments as well as single family homes or townhouses. Typically there are activities planned for the members of the community as well as minimal assistance with yard work or other maintenance issues. Residents maintain as much independence as possible and are still able to perform all of the activities of daily living.
Nursing homes are for older adults who require care around the clock at a much higher level than those who reside in an assisted living community. Nursing homes provide staff nurses 24 hours a day.
Many assisted living communities allow the resident to age in place. Communities are able to do this because many have care available on-site, and if they do not, they contract with local healthcare providers so that the resident can stay at the community as his or her level of care increases. This care is paid for on top of the monthly rent and varies depending on the amount of care needed.
Typically, all assisted living communities offer their residents prepared meals three times a day and help with light housekeeping and laundry. Depending on the community, residents may have access to a fitness center, swimming pool, beauty servicers, and transportation. Communities will also plan events, activities and trips that residents can participate in that are anything from happy hour to concerts. Assisted living communities range from very small homes to very large campuses and therefore, amenities vary community to community. Another important aspect of assisted living is that most communities recognize that being able to keep a pet is very important to the resident, and therefore many assisted living communities will allow the senior to bring a pet as long as he or she is able to take care of it.
Assisted living is regulated at the state level. Because of that, every state has their own policies that define and regulate what care and services are required for an assisted living community to meet the state standards.
States set regulations to clearly distinguish an assisted living community from other long-term care facilities. Other areas that states monitor are care, providers, food and safety.
Pricing varies depending on the community and level of care. Please call or schedule a tour for pricing.
Assisted living is typically paid for from private funds, but there are a few exceptions. Some long-term care insurance policies cover licensed assisted living. Check your loved one’s insurance policy to see if it is covered. If the resident was a war veteran or is the spouse of a war veteran, he or she might qualify for Veteran’s Benefits that can be used to help pay for assisted living.
In a limited number of states, Medicaid funds and waivers are available to help with assisted living costs.
