What is assisted living?

Who lives in assisted living residences?

What types of residences are there?

How is assisted living regulated?

What types of services are offered in assisted living residences?

What about costs?

Who pays the bill for an assisted living residence?


What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health care designed to respond to the individual needs of those who require help with activities of daily living.

Assisted living care promotes maximum independence and dignity for each resident and encourages the involvement of a resident's family, neighbors, and friends. Staff is available 24 hours to meet both scheduled and unscheduled needs. Assisted living residences may also be called residential care facilities, adult congregate living facilities, personal care homes, catered living facilities, retirement homes, homes for adults, or community residences.

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Who lives in assisted living residences?

It is estimated that one million Americans live in more than 20,000 assisted living communities. 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 memory disorders, or may simply need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges. Assisted living is appropriate for someone who is too frail to live at home or who wants extra support.

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What types of residences are there?

Assisted living residences can range from a purpose-built, high-rise apartment complex to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. They may be freestanding or housed with other options, such as independent living or nursing care. There is no single blueprint, because consumers' preferences and needs vary widely. Most residences have between 25 and 120 units, varying in size from one room to a full apartment. They may be operated by nonprofit or for-profit companies.

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How is assisted living regulated?

Regulations and license requirements vary from state to state, contributing to a wide range of senior housing models that are considered assisted living. Assisted living residences are often regulated under the categories of personal care homes, residential care, boarding homes or a similar nature home. The most progressive regulations are consumer oriented, balancing the safety concerns everyone shares with consumers' desire to retain their independence and freedom of choice. Most providers and their staff have special training as a result of assisted living residence policy. In addition, some states require special training and staff certification. Residences also must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations.

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What types of services are offered in assisted living residences?

Assisted living residences generally provide more health-related services than an independent living retirement home. The services available in assisted living usually include:

• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• Assistance with activities of daily living – eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and mobility
• 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

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What about costs?

Costs vary with the residence, unit size, and the types of services needed by the residents. Across the nation, basic fees are generally less expensive than home health services. The basic rate may cover all services. Most assisted living residences charge monthly and rates do not require long-term commitment. Some assisted living providers request security deposits or other types of entry fees.

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Who pays the bill for an assisted living residence?

Residents and/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, some costs may be reimbursable. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. Some state and local governments offer subsidies for rent or services for income-eligible elders. Others may provide subsidies in the form of an additional payment for those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Some states also utilize Medicaid Waiver Programs to help pay for assisted living services. Some assisted living services may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

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