| An assisted living facility is designed to meet your personal
service needs, housing needs and health care needs. The residence
may be part of a retirement community, nursing home, or elderly
housing facility, or it may be an independent building on its own
campus. Your accommodations may be single room, double rooms, or
kitchen-equipped apartments.
Assisted living/residential care services typically include:
- Meals
- Assistance with daily living activities, such as: bathing, dressing,
- eating, toileting
- Help with medications
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Transportation
- Shopping
Choosing an assisted living residence
Visit several assisted living or residential care facilities before
making a choice. Each assisted living facility offers its varying
services and fees and each has it own unique atmosphere. When visiting
the facilities be sure to examine the facility for cleanliness;
lighting, adequate handrails, especially in bathrooms, and ways
patients can call for help in an emergency. Observe the staff and
their interaction with residents. Are they respectful and friendly?
And talk to residents. Are the satisfied with the accommodations,
care received, and life at the assisted living facility?
Ask these questions when visiting the facilities:
What types of accommodations are offered?
What types of services are available?
Are the services provided by employees or contractors?
How much input do residents have in their daily schedules and care?
What’s included in the rate? What services are extra?
What social and recreational activities exist?
What level of care does the facility provide? Will you have to
move if you need more care later on?
What is the facility's licensing status? Ask to see a recent state
licensing inspection report.
Long Term Care Insurance and Assisted Living Facilities
Most long term care insurance policies do cover assisted living
facilities and residential care facilities. Be sure to review your
policy to determine if assisted living facilities are covered as
part of your insurance.
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