Assisted Living Assisted Living provides senior
citizens with
comfortable housing combined with personal care and health care
services.These communities are a great long term care option for those who can no longer live alone or need twenty-four hour supervision to ensure their safety. The greatest benefit of these types of communities is the senior can still maintain a greater level of independence in a home-like atmosphere. Choosing the right senior housing community can make all the difference in your elderly loved one's mental, physical and social well-being. QUICK LINKS  Types
of CommunitiesServices
ProvidedCosts and
Paying OptionsMaking a Smooth
TransitionFind
a Community in Your AreaFree Checklists
and Community ReviewsTypes of CommunitiesSenior housing comes in a variety of sizes and building designs. The most visible are the large buildings popping up all over that are run by well-know national companies. Many, however, are smaller locally owned and run communities that may offer uniques benefits.The number of residents in the various types of communities can range from less than ten individuals to over 300 residents. Assisted
Living
Facility There is a growing number of specialty facilities are being built that focus only on caring for senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Floor plans in these buildings strive to create familiarity for the residents by creating hallway themes with consistent with color and entry designs to help the resident navigate. Room sizes and types also tend to be consistent. Apartments and studios (units) are private and do not have any kitchen amenities. Number of units average from 25 to 120 or more.  Many facilities will offer a secured Alzheimer's
wing or
section in their facility that you may also want to compare in your
visits.Senior Group Homes (aka Board and Care, Personal Care Homes, Domiciliary Care, Adult Foster Care) These facilities are typically converted homes in older residential neighborhoods and is the most home-like. Multi-story homes have elevators added and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available but shared rooms are the norm. These facilities tend to be less expensive and will have fewer residents; typically less than ten. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (aka Life Care Facilities) An all-in-one concept where large communities similar to a campus provide a variety of care services for the seniors lifetime. Multiple buildings form the campus to provide independent apartments, assisted living apartments and finally a skilled nursing home facility. These communities are growing in popularity for those that want and can afford a country club environment as they are the most expensive type of Assisted Living Community Services and AmenitiesEach new resident receives an individualized care plan to help with optimal delivery of services. Upon admission, a coordinator will evaluate the need for ADL's and oversee the implementation of the care plan. The care plan is regularly reviewed and updated by the staff to adapt to changes in the resident's needs.The resident and family should
play a role in
the development of the care plan and actively participate in it when
appropriate. In addition, request that a copy of the care
plan be provided to you.A range of services are available to residents. Some are included in the basic rate, others may have additional fees:  Three meals per day in a
restaurant like
setting24-hour supervisionHousekeepingTransportationLaundry and Linen ServicesPersonal Care (bathing,
dressing,
grooming, toileting, etc.)Medication ManagementIncontinence CareSocial Services and
EntertainmentChapels for Religious
Services and
Spiritual ActivitiesExercise Rooms and Wellness
ProgramsLibraries and Game RoomsOutdoor Garden ActivitiesCosts and ADL Care PlansWhat type of senior housing is appropriate for your needs? Safety and money are the primary concerns. The assisted living choice is growing in popularity because of the personal care available. The senior's physical and mental needs are met while the socialization of the congregate lifestyle provides relief from isolation and loneliness.Begin with a quick Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment. Typically, the amount of care needed by the senior in a community is directly related to the cost of living there. The amount of care needed is quantified in units of ADLs, so it is important to understand the terminology. Also, as with any important life decision the family should respect the wishes of the senior. The cost will vary depending on where you live, the size of the apartment and the number of services (ADLs) included in the basic rate and the senior's need for services beyond what is included in the basic rate. Some communities may offer a sliding scale rate based on income. The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) reported that in 2006 the average monthly fee was $2,627 for one-room single occupancy apartments. In addition, about one-half used a tiered pricing system for bundled ADL services. Twenty-two percent of communities reported charging a single, all-inclusive basic rate regardless of the number of ADLs needed by the resident. Cost are paid on a private basis (by the senior or family) or with long-term care insurance benefits. Medicaid, Medicare and traditional medical insurance will not cover the costs. There is, however, a pilot waiver program currently being tested by the US government to pay assisted living costs for a limited number of low income seniors.  Explore all methods of paying
for Assisted Living.TransitioningThe decision to move out of the family home is an important but difficult one. Families need to be supportive of the senior and be actively involved in ensuring a smooth transition for them. The American Health Care Association has an excellent guide to help the senior and family cope with this lifestyle transition.Check
out this Guide on visiting friend and relatives when they
move.Find a Community in Your Area Use this resource and referral guide to save you valuable time and money in finding the best senior housing community in your area. If a serious medical or mental condition exists,
please
seek professional advice from your doctor,
health professional, or a
Geriatric Care Manager.We recommend you begin your search using our two free evaluation tools:
 Find
Assisted Living FacilitiesFind
Residential Care FacilitiesFind
Adult Congregate Living FacilitiesFind
Alzheimer's Assisted Living FacilitiesFind
Senior Group HomesFind
Board and Care HomesFind
Continuing Care Retirement CommunitiesFind
Life Care FacilitiesSelecting a CommunityOnce you have completed your research and narrowed your choices, it is now time to select 2 or 3 assisted living communities to personally tour and interview.Choose your preferred method to begin this selection process:
ResourcesChart of Care Options for Seniors at a glanceCompare all the different long term care options available for senior citizens. The CCAL, or Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL) is the only nonprofit consumer-based organization nationwide focused on the needs, rights and protection of assisted living consumers, their caregivers & loved ones The NCAL, or National Center for Assisted Living NCAL recommends that you visit more than one facility and that you take time to speak with the facility administrator or manager about your needs or the needs of a loved one. Above all, do not hesitate to ask questions!
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