Another housing option for your elders is an "Assisted Living Facility." While these type of facilities have gained in popularity around the country, the term "assisted living" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. While most states require a facility such as this to have a license, not all state require it.
Living spaces can be as simple as a shared room in a huge complex or as robust as a small apartment with a self contained kitchen in a small facility. A great thing about these type of facilities in general as that there are a number of additional services that can be provided for at an additional cost. Things such as meals, cleaning, helping with bathing and going to the bathroom, laundry can be a big help to many elderly folks. It's important to note that where ever you are located, assisted living facilities can't provide your elder with medical care. However, a staff member will normally be willing to help with medication reminders.
The term "Assisted Living" is more of a marketing term than it is a definitive term that describes the kind of facility it is. When looking at these type of facilities, always be sure to ask if the facility is licensed by the state and what level of support and supervision is provided. Knowing how many staff members are on duty during the various points of the day, if they provide assistance with taking medications, and if residents of the facility are checked on regularly are all things that will help you determine if the facility warrants further review by your and your family.
Your goal is likely to have your elder live as independently as possible, but in a place that is able to provide the additional services and supervision that he or she may need. Continue to ask questions so that your mind is put at ease with the facility you are considering.
Candidates for this type of living arrangement are those who require help and support with daily activities, but don't need any medical assistance or constant supervision.
As with any facility you are looking into for your elder, you will want to know about the pros and cons. In the case of assisted living facilities, there are two very big "pros". Fist, these facilities can extend your elder's independent living. Second, for those that are socially active, they generally find these facilities provide a great opportunity to mix with others
However, there can be some negatives. These negatives usually center around the staffing levels. In these cases, supervision and oversight may not be what it should be. This is why it's critical that you know about their staffing levels before making a final decision to move your elder into an assisted living facility, or any other facility for that matter.
Another negative is that Medicare doesn't chip in for assisted living. More than 90% of the tenants of these facilities pay out of pocket - or that of their family's pocket. Don't be fooled into thinking that just because you have a long term care insurance policy that you are all set. Many policies only pay a specific amount of money towards assisted living. After those funds are exhausted, there will be no money left for nursing home care. Certainly something to consider.
However, some states do indeed provide a limited Medicaid benefit for assisted living residents. But, most unfortunately, the states that do this, generally limit the number of folks who can access this benefit. So - you could very well find yourself in a situation where your elder qualifies for this assistance in their state, but ends up on a gigantic waiting list.
Another downside to assisted living is those who are in charge of the marketing departments at some of these facilities can be very, very aggressive and very light with details. You need to be persistent in getting an itemized cost breakdown for every potential service your elder may need. What's included in the base price? What do meals cost? How many meals are served? What about snacks? Is cleaning provided for apartments? If the rep can't or won't provide answers to these type of questions, go to their boss. If they won't help, go elsewhere.
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