What is Assisted Living?
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) defines an Assisted Living
residence as a special combination of housing, personalized supportive
services and health care designed to meet the needs-both scheduled and
unscheduled-of those who need help with activities of daily living.
What is the philosophy of Assisted Living?
ALFA members subscribe to a 10-point philosophy of care:
- Offering cost-effective quality care that is personalized for individual needs
- Fostering independence for each resident
- Treating each resident with dignity and respect
- Promoting the individuality of each resident
- Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle
- Protecting each resident's right to privacy
- Nurturing the spirit of each resident
- Involving family and friends, as appropriate, in care planning and implementation
- Providing a safe, residential environment
- Making the Assisted Living residence a valuable community asset
Who lives in Assisted Living residences?
Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 20,000 Assisted Living residences. Assisted Living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. A typical resident is a woman in her eighties and is either widowed or single. Residents may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorders. Residents may also need help with incontinence or mobility.
What does an Assisted Living residence look like?
Assisted Living residences can range from a high-rise apartment complex to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. Residences may be free standing or housed with other residential options, such as independent living or nursing care. Non-profit or for-profit companies may operate them. Most facilities have between 25 and 120 units. There is no single blueprint, because consumers' preferences and needs vary widely. Units may vary in size from one room to a full apartment.
Regulations and licensing regulations vary from state to state contributing to the wide range of senior housing models considered Assisted Living. Most providers and their staff have special training as a result either of state requirements or company policy. Some states require special staff certification and training. Residences must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. ALFA believes the most successful regulations are consumer driven, balancing the safety concerns we all share with the consumers' desires to retain their independence and freedom of choice.
What types of services are offered in Assisted Living residences?
Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include:
- Three meals a day served in a common dining area
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation
- Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
- Access to health and medical services 24-hour security and staff availability
- Emergency call systems for each resident's unit
- Health promotion and exercise programs
- Medication management
- Personal laundry services
- Social and recreational activities
What about costs?
Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of services needed
by the residents. In Placer County, daily basic fees range from
approximately $50 to $200, generally well below the cost of home health
services and nursing home care. A basic Assisted Living fee may cover all
services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most
Assisted Living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few residences
require long-term arrangements.
Who pays the bill for an Assisted Living residence?
Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual's health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. Government payments for Assisted Living residences have been limited.
