Assisted Living Centers

Assisted living is a residential care option for individuals who typically can no longer live independently. It provides or coordinates services to meet individual needs in ways that promote independence and reflect personal choices. Assisted living is available with various levels of services, such as medication administration, housekeeping and meal preparation, which are dependent upon state and local requirements. Some states may classify this level of care as a “rest home.”

Residents have the right to make choices and receive services in a manner that promotes dignity, autonomy, independence and quality of life. These services are disclosed and agreed to in the contract between the provider and resident. Assisted living does not generally provide ongoing, 24-hour skilled nursing care.

Assisted living is designed to respond to the needs of individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing and grooming but who do not need 24-hour skilled nursing care.

Living accommodations may include a full-size apartment, a single room or even a semi-private room, depending upon the needs of the individual. In some centers, services are limited to meal preparation, housekeeping, medication reminders and minimal assistance with daily activities. In others, more intensive services, including help with administering medications, on-site nursing and regular assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, are available.

Make sure that the administration’s philosophy and practices are truly resident-centered. Its staff should be well-trained and qualified in direct care. In addition, check for sufficient numbers of staff members to address anticipated as well as unscheduled or emergency needs. The center’s environment should be inviting, with administrators, staff, residents and family members interacting in a caring, respectful manner.

Approximately one million people live in more than 36,000 centers nationwide. The majority of individuals move into assisted living because of a significant change in their health. Approximately two-thirds of residents come to an assisted living center from home. The rest come from hospitals, nursing homes (also called skilled nursing centers) and other assisted living facilities.

Approximately 90 percent of individuals pay for assisted living out-of-pocket or through other private funding. Monthly payments can range from $1,500 to $6,000+, depending on geographic location, unit size and services provided. Shared units, if available, generally cost less.

Each state develops its own assisted living regulations. There are no federal regulations or uniform standards of operation for assisted living.

Typically, less than five percent of assisted living residents own or drive a car. Thus, transportation is an important resident consideration. As in all other areas of assisted living, transportation availability varies among assisted living centers. Many centers lease or own their own vans. Others make arrangements with community providers. Most centers transport residents to recreational outings that are part of the planned activity program. Some will transport residents to doctor appointments, shopping, etc. Centers also vary about charging extra for this service. Centers should disclose details, including charges, of their transportation services to prospective residents during the admission process.