Assisted Living

Description

Assisted Living facilities are licensed and regulated by State departments to provide their residents with non-medically related assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulation, medication management and more. Most facilities range in size from 16 to 100 or more bed capacities. Care performed is usually restricted to non-invasive procedures. This means assisted living staff are typically unable to give shots, care for IVs or perform complicated wound management. However, State regulations to allow for exceptions if residents are receiving care by assisted living staff who are licensed medical professionals (i.e. nurses) and may further allow certain care for residents receiving hospice services. Exceptions are also granted to facilities who can demonstrate that needs of their residents will be met given the resources both internally and externally available to them and you or your loved one. Under most State regulations, assisted living facilities can provide assistance for residents from independent to bedridden status if appropriate staff is in place to deliver such care.

Accomodations

Regarding accommodations, I can only say that every Assisted Living is different. Generally speaking, the smaller the facility, the more likely you or your loved one’s personal preferences will be satisfied. Most rooms are of private quarters and quite spacious.

Food

But what about food? Certainly, every facility large and small is required to follow Physician’s orders as to the appropriate diet for a resident, but keep in mind this doesn’t mean all food is created equal in terms of quality, texture, and taste. A good suggestion here is to have a meal at the facility and see for yourself. Many facilities accommodate prospective residents and their families wishing to “test” the food quality. Even if they charge you a nominal fee, it may be well worth it. I can say that I’ve been to a number of Assisted Livings and can say that food is a major focus. Not just the taste, but the presentation of the food as well. Bear in mind, however, that food choices may be limited in some facilities given the fact that kitchens are serving many residents at once, which hinders their ability to create “special meal requests” at times. However, this isn’t to say that even the large 100+ bed facilities won’t attempt to meet every desire, especially given the hefty price tags they normally charge. My best advice is to speak directly to the Administrator and/or Resident services director and comprehensively express your needs and wants.

Staff

Regarding staffing, many will tell you that 1 caregiver to 12 residents or more is a typical ratio. However, State regulations enforce adequate and sufficient staffing, so Assisted Livings are required to staff accordingly and appropriately. In other words, given the type of clientele a particular facility cares for, a 1:12 ratio may NOT be inappropriate at all. In addition, “awake night” staff are often utilized which is a huge plus overall. The US Department of Health and Human Services paints a much grimmer picture of staffing ratios with 1 caregiver to 23 or more residents! But rest assure that any decent Assisted Living would never purposely staff in this fashion unless they truly felt that this was an adequate and sufficient solution to meet all residents needs. When touring these facilities, ask about staffing ratios as well as the level of care the facility generally accepts as this may give you a good indication of appropriate or inappropriate staffing levels. If a facility accepts moderate to advanced dementia, bedridden, many wheelchair bound residents and others with extensive care needs in addition to fairly independent individuals AND the staffing ratio is 1:12 or more, it may be worth investigating prior to making a final decision. RealCare can assist in this process in terms of finding recent State visits and other testimonial reviews. Another factor to consider is that Assisted Living staff typically go through a very comprehensive, corporate driven training program designed to well-prepare their staff prior to delivering care.

Activities

Activities are quite abundant in Assisted Living facilities. They are organized well with dedicated activity directors and assistants who truly enjoy their work. In addition, various levels of activities are offered based on level of physical and mental care needs. However, I’ve found that schedules are very important to Assisted Livings due to the amount of residents staff is responsible for. This applies to mealtimes as well.

Amenities

Many amenities such as large dining rooms, chef prepared meals, social engagements, barber shops, bistros, exercise rooms, pools, and more await residents who reside here. For individuals who may find satisfaction by living in a very social environment with plush surroundings, and of course not mind the associated cost and “corporate-style” environment, an assisted living facility may just be a good choice.

Pricing

Price ranges are typical between $4,000 to $8,000 per month or more. In addition, many large assisted livings charge what’s known as a “community fee” which covers a variety of things. Although these charges are allowed and quite common, you do have a right to inquire as to what this fee covers for the specific facility you choose. When you tour a large assisted living facility, expect to be greeted by a well-dressed individual with exceptional knowledge of the facility. He or she should present with a friendly, and very professional demeanor. Keep in mind that the individual touring you is required to meet a quota from a corporate office located elsewhere, but don’t let this intimidate you or make you feel obligated to make a decision based on this alone. Most of the individuals you meet will generally have your best interest at heart. Having said this, I will suggest that fast-talking, “car salesperson” type of staff should yield a red flag. This is Senior care and big decision-making moment. No one should ever be overly sold in such instances.

Pros and Cons

PROS (1) Exceptional amenities, (2) Well-organized activities for socialization, (3) Good tasting food, (4) Typically reside in good, safe locations, (5) Usually has specially trained staff, (6) Awake night staff, (7) Large, spacious private rooms

CONS (1) Expensive, (2) May intimidate some who aren’t used to socialization, (3) Organized schedules which may not sit well with some, (4) 1:12 staffing ratio or more is typical, (5) May be too large and generally overwhelming for some individuals