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| Assisted Living Facilities: What they are |
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Housing and Living Arrangements Assisted living facilities combine a home-like setting with personal support services. While assisted living facilities vary from community to community most offer a basic set of services. which include social activities, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. Many provide extra services at an additional fee. Examples include help eating meals, bathing, grooming and personal hygiene. Medical services are usually limited to medication management and changing bandages. Additional nursing services will be provided by a third party home medical service. Are assisted living facilities part of an established industry? The fastest growing segment of senior housing is represented by assisted Living in assisted living facilities is the fastest growing type of senior housing. Since 1998, the number of assisted living communities in America has increased from 28,000 to 38,000. Today more than 1,000,000 call an assisted living community their home. The "typical" resident is an 80 year old female needs assistance with 2-3 "activities of daily living" and is mobile but does not require the intensive care provided at nursing home. Are Assisted Living Communities Regulated? Most states have licensing boards that regulate the care provided by assisted living facilities. One interesting change in regulations is the movement by states to develope standards to accommodate residents with higher health care needs. How much do assisted living facilities cost? Cost for care in an assisted living community varies by locale, the size of the living area selected and the level of services required by the resident. According to the most recent survey by MetLife Mature Market, basic costs range from $1,980 to $4,708 in the U.S. How do assisted living facilities fit into the long-term continuum of care? Assisted living Assisted living facilities offer an option of care that is between staying at home utilizing community based care and moving to a nursing home. Care at an assisted living center is less restrictive than nursing home care and can be less expensive. But, as levels of care increase that cost savings can disappear. Who pays for care in assisted living facilities? For the most part, care in assisted living communities is paid with personal funds. Medicare does not pick up any housing costs related to assisted living but may assist with certain medically related expenses. According to a 2009 analysis by the National Center for Assisted Living, of the 1 million residents nationawide, Medicaid helped defray the cost for 115,000. In For specific information about what's covered, check with the governing state agency (provide link to resource). An overlooked source of funding for assisted living care is through the Veteran's Administrations "Aid and Attendance" benefit. Eligibile Veterans and their spouses. For 2009, married veterans can receive as much as $23,396 per year toward assisted living costs. The widowed spouse of a veteran can receive up to $12,681 per year. The decision to move into an assited living community has significant emotional and financial aspects. Before committing yourself, be sure to get professional guidance. |