Three Things to Know About Assisted Living Facilities

As the population of the Baby Boomers ages, the need for assisted living facilities has risen. The state of California requires an assisted living facility administrator certification to operate these facilities. However, the definition of what qualifies as assisted living is not as set in stone as one might hope.

Common Services

In general, an assisted living facility helps residents with a variety of services including housing, personal care and health care as part of their long-term care. Residents can expect a range of options for lifestyle services such as gardening, religious programs and pet-friendly areas. Most have help available to assist with Activities of Daily Living including transportation, bathing, personal hygiene, toileting and medication management. The community often offers additional services as part of their fees or extra including gyms, libraries and laundry services. Residents can expect a safe and secure facility with access to a nurse around-the-clock.

Payment Options

The costs of having a loved one in an assisted living facility can be prohibitive for many families. There are a variety of ways to help pay for their stay including private pay which uses their savings or the income and savings of families. Some veterans may qualify for the Department of Veteran Affairs to pick up some of the costs. Life insurance, reverse mortgage, long-term care insurance and selling their homes are other options available to families. Medicare does not cover assisted living but may cover health care. Some residents may qualify for Medicaid to cover the costs.

Facility Costs

Facilities range in cost depending on what services are offered, location and whether the room is private, semi-private or shared. Some facilities offer a range in room size or services on an a-la-carte basis. There are ways to cut some of the costs such as the level of care the resident needs, reducing the room size or even sharing a room with someone else.

An assisted living facility administrator certification keeps the facility running. It is essential that residents understand what their loved ones need, so they can pick the right place for them.