Assisted Living FAQ

An ideal candidate for assisted living is someone who can no longer live on their own safely but who does not need skilled nursing care. It's ideal for someone who needs some assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, eating, etc.

Assisted living services vary greatly among assisted living facilities. Meals, housekeeping, laundry service, transportation, medication assistance, emergency call service, planned activities, licensed nursing, and round-the-clock staff are some of the amenities provided, depending on what a resident wants and needs. Most communities offer licensed nurses on staff, with caregiver staff available 24 hours, medication assistance, observation of health status, limited health care assistance in accordance with state regulations, and assistance with accessing outside health care services.

The term used for assisted living facilities differs across the country. Other common terms for these facilities include:

· Residential care
· Personal care
· Adult congregate living care
· Board and care
· Domiciliary care
· Adult living facilities
· Supported care
· Enhanced care
· Community based retirement facilities
· Adult foster care
· Adult homes
· Sheltered housing
· Retirement residences

While Assisted Living Facilities are residential in character, there is no standard blueprint because consumers' preferences and needs vary so greatly. Assisted Living residences can range from a high-rise apartment constructed as an Assisted Living Facility, to a converted Victorian home, to a renovated school. They can be free standing or housed with other options, such as independent living or nursing care. They may be studio apartments, or one-bedroom apartments with scaled-down kitchens.

An Assisted Living complex will typically be built with 25 to 110 units, varying in size from one room to a full apartment. This larger type of Assisted Living Facility may have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities.

Some Assisted Living Facilities can handle special needs, such as:

* Cognitive disabilities
* Short-term care
* Respite Care (to give regular caregivers a break)
* Interim medical care after a hospital stay
* Alzheimer's
* Parkinson's
* Terminal illnesses (Hospice Care)

Planning Ahead: A Consumer's Guide to Assisted Living Facilities

Checklist For Consumers And Prospective Residents

When you are looking for an assisted living or residential care setting for yourself or a loved one, please consider the following checklist to help you make the best choice.

Moving In

• What does the moving in process entail? What are the paperwork requirements and the timeframes involved?

• How is the initial assessment managed? Who completes the assessment?

• Is the residence affiliated with a hospital or nursing home should acute or long-term care be needed? If so, is there a priority admission process?

• If you need hospital or nursing home care, is your room held? What are the associated fees? Is there a discount for unused services (e.g. meals)?

• Does the residence subscribe to a set of resident rights and responsibilities? Are they available?

Service Planning

• Are the family and the resident involved in the service planning process? How often are residents needs assessed? Who completes the assessment?

• Are there special programs for memory impaired residents and residents suffering with dementia? Are there accommodations for memory-impaired residents to be outside and exercise?

• Are there special programs for residents with disabilities?

• How are emergency situations managed? What is the protocol for such events?

• What happens if the health care needs of a resident change? Under what conditions are residents asked to move if there is a change in health status?

Services and Activities

• Does staff assist residents in administration of medication? If so, what kind of staff?

• Must the resident use the residence’s pharmacy? Does the pharmacy provide a yearly review and consultation services?

• Are there professional nursing services on site? If not, does the staff assist residents and families in making arrangements through a home health agency?

• Are the services of a physical, occupational or speech therapist available or arranged?

• Does the residence provide bed linens and towels?

• Does the residence provide laundry service?

• Are there beauty shop services available on site?

• What recreational and spiritual activities are available? Obtain or review a copy of the activities calendar.

• Are the activity supplies available for resident use outside of scheduled programs?

• Is transportation provided for medical appointments and recreational purposes?

• Is there a resident council? How often does it meet?

• What are the suggestion, complaint, or grievance procedures?

Staff

• Ask about the residence’s staffing patterns and philosophy about staffing.

• What training and qualifications are required for staff? Are there ongoing training programs provided for staff?

• Observe staff and resident interactions. Are they positive? Courteous?

• Do staff handle resident requests in a timely way?

• Does the residence have a volunteer program? If yes, what types of activities do the volunteers perform?

• Does the administrator/ director practice an “open door” policy?

Costs and Fees

• What is included in the basic monthly cost? Ask for a written copy.

• Does the residence have a written schedule of fees for extra services? If so, request a copy.

• Under what circumstances might the fees change? How much notice is given if there is a fee increase?

• Is there a security deposit? What is the refund policy?

• Can service agreements and/or contracts be amended or modified?

Dining and Food Services

• Does the residence accommodate special diets?

• Does a dietician or nutritionist review the menus? Request or review copies of the menus.

• How often do the menus rotate? Are residents and families involved in the menu planning?

• Are residents allowed to have guests for meals? Is there a separate guest dining room?

• What are the criteria for residents to eat meals in their rooms?

Living Space and Accommodations

• Are there adequate community areas for resident use?

• Are the resident rooms furnished or unfurnished? What is the policy about personal belongings?

• What is the policy for overnight guests? Are there guestrooms available? What are the guest fees?

• Is additional storage space available? Is there an extra fee?

• Does the residence meet the rules for people with disabilities?

• Can residents have automobiles? Is there assigned parking? Is there an extra fee?

• Are there patios and courtyards available for resident use? Is there an area for resident gardening?

• Does the residence provide security?

• Are pets allowed to reside in the residence? If so, are there additional fees and or deposits? If not, are pets allowed to visit?

Licensure and Certification

• Is the residence licensed? Ask to review the last licensing/certification report.

• If the state requires the administrator to be licensed or certified, is it current?

• Does the staff actively participate in trade or professional associations?

Location

• Is the location of the residence convenient to shopping, medical services, and entertainment areas?

• Can family members and visitors easily locate the residence for visiting?

Final Checklist Prior to Signing the Service Contract

This checklist is provided to the family and prospective resident as a final tool once an assisted living residence has been chosen. Use this as a reminder for issues which need to be addressed and fully understood.

Make sure you:

____ Know what the basic service package includes

____ Know all costs associated with your service package

____ Know about additional services and their associated fees (e.g., medication management)

____ Know the circumstances why fees might change and how much notice is given to families and residents

____ Understand the services planning process

____ Understand the service contract

____ Know about the criteria and policies associated with discharge

____ Understand resident rights and responsibilities

____ Know the residence's grievance policy and procedure

____ Understand how many staff are available and their qualifications

____ Have the name and telephone number of the staff contact person