Assisted Living

Assisted Living (Residential Care For The Elderly/RCFE in some states) offers help with non-medical aspects of daily activities in an atmosphere of separate, private living units. It can be likened to Congregate living for residents less able to function independently in one or some of the aspects of daily living.

In addition to providing meals, transportation for medical appointments, activities, and pleasure trips, assisted living may provide:

Linens and personal laundry service
Assistance with dressing and bathing
Reminders regarding medication
Assistance with eating

Some residences offer services on an "a la carte" basis, creating opportunities for greater control over one's life. Choice availability offers living arrangements with flexible and shared risk or responsibility. Assisted living should offer opportunities to be as independent as residents are capable of, or willing to be.

This is a life style for those who are mildly, cognitively impaired, while physically capable; or those who are mentally capable but have motor or balance difficulties.

Medicare will not cover costs related to Assisted Living, nor will it cover similar services contracted to serve a patient in their own home, however in some states Medicaid or other funding sources are available to help pay part of the cost for care.

For a "Congregate" Community to offer assistance with aspects of daily living, most states require licensing. Check with your state licensing office to find if Assisted Living is licensed separately, the agency responsible for licensing, and the criteria used.

Some care communities contract with licensed outside services to perform assistance, enabling them to offer assisted living services within a congregate setting. Some of these licensed providers are also available for home hire.

What services can be offered by out services in a group healthcare setting may be regulated by state licensing.

Federal regulations require any long-term care home or facility to provide 30 days written notice and an appropriate discharge plan if they determine a patient is inapporpriate to remain with them. They may not just tell you verbally you have to relocate a loved one!

Specific community resouce information is available in Resources by State

CareScout provides ratings of Assisted Living Communities throughout the USA. For a report fee and registration you can check a rating for a community you are considering for a loved one.