Overview
Assisted Living is senior housing
designed for those who are no longer able to live safely on their own, but who don’t
require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. These facilities provide
a home-like atmosphere with 24-hour on-site staff, group meals, assistance with
activities of daily living (ADLs) and medication, housekeeping, transportation and
social activities. They are typically individual apartments and may have kitchenettes.
Most provide limited licensed nursing services, but hours vary and additional fees
may be required. Some even offer a special unit for Alzheimer’s residents. Check
each facility for specific services. Most assisted living facilities are private
pay, although some take Medicaid. Assisted living facilities are licensed by state
governments and known by many different names including: Residential Care, Board
and Care, Congregate Care and Personal Care.
Quick Links For more Information visit these links or download the PDF documents.
Assisted
Living Fact Sheet (Website) What is assisted living? How do I choose a facility?
What is the cost? Where can I learn more?
Moving
Into an Assisted Living Residence (PDF) What do I take with me to my new
home? How can I make the emotional transition?
Assisted
Living Federation (ALFA) of America Consumer Checklist (PDF) Use this handy
checklist to assess any facilities you have under consideration. Includes needs,
costs, physical features, health care, food service and more.
A
Consumer's Guide to Assisted Living and Residential Care (Website) Includes
a good Assisted Living Cost Calculator.
So
Far Away: Twenty Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers (PDF) Developed
by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), this booklet has ideas and resources that
can help make long-distance caregiving more manageable and satisfying. Has the 20
most commonly asked questions and a resource guide.
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