What Is an Assisted-Living Facility?

Assisted-living facilities are a good housing option for older people. They offer an alternative for people who are not sick enough for a nursing home but can no longer live on their own. They typically offer some combinations of the following services:

• Meals -  often served in a restaurant-like setting
• 24-hour supervision
• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding)
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation
• Minor to complicated medical care and therapeutic services on site
• Security and emergency call systems
• Health and exercise programs
• Social, cultural, and educational activities

Assisted living facilities have become very popular with seniors, and the number of them have been growing in most areas. Assisted living facilities come in many different forms and sizes, and offer a wide variety of services. For example, they can be part of a large retirement community or in a small residential home. Some only offer basic services like security and personal services, others offer on-site medical care and more elaborate services. The facilities can be very modest or lavish; they can even specialize in a particular type of client, for example, clients with mental health issues, physical disabilities, or those with memory problems.

In most facilities, individuals usually have their own apartment or room. You only pay for the support services you need, and choose whether or not to participate in social activities and meals services provided by the facility.

Assisted living facilities are intermediate levels of care. The purpose of these assisted living services is to provide support that fosters independent and dignified living as long as possible. It bridges the gap between independent living and skilled nursing facilities.

What Are the Costs of Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted living facilities cost less than nursing homes, but are still very expensive. The price can range from less than $10,000 to more than $50,000 a year – depending on the services that are needed and the type of facility you choose. In the United States the average monthly cost for an assisted living facility is $1,800 per month.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Assisted Living Facilities?

Medicare will cover qualified health care costs while you are at the facility, but does not generally cover the cost of the assisted living facility. In some states, Medicaid may pay for some of the costs if you have limited income. Medicaid is the joint federal and state program that helps seniors and some individuals with disabilities pay for health care when they are not able to pay for it themselves. Some facilities offer funding options. However, most people end up paying the cost of living in the facilities out of their own pockets. If you have long-term care insurance, it may cover some of the costs associated with living in an assisted living facility.

How Do I Choose a Facility?

Keep in mind that the facility must be able to provide the services you need, be affordable, and be a safe, secure environment in which to live. Consider the following when searching for a facility:

• Will the facility meet your needs now and in the future?
• Where is the facility located? Is it close to family and friends? Is there shopping within walking distance?
• Is the facility staff open to your questions?
• Are there written documents stating rules and regulations of the facility?
• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced; bring a friend or family member for a second opinion.
• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe social activities.
• Are the offered activities of interest to you?
• Talk to residents. Observe them – do they seem happy?
• What types of training does the staff receive and how often do they receive training?
• Review state licensing reports.

Ask your doctor, other health care providers, social workers, friends and family for recommendations.