2 minute read
Assisted Living /Personal Care Listings ��������� 90
Assisted Living/Personal Care
Continued from page 88 priority at all assisted living /personal care communities.
All communities also offer three meals a day in a group dining room. However, dining options can vary dramatically in terms of the meals available and the costs associated with meal plans.
Finally, all assisted living/personal care communities offer personal care services, also known as help with the ADLs. These services include assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting.
Other services and activities available at some assisted living/ personal care communities include: • Medication management, or assistance with self-administration of medicine • Coordination of services by outside health care providers • Assistance with arranging
medical, health and dental care services • Social services • Transportation services • Outdoor areas for walking or gardening • Supervision and assistance for persons with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and disabilities • Recreational and spiritual activities • Exercise and wellness programs • Laundry and linen service • Housekeeping and maintenance • Individualized services
While assisted living/personal care communities do provide a high level of care, it is important to consider what is not provided at these communities before selecting one. Assisted living/ personal care communities are a bridge between living at home and living in a nursing home. Assisted living/ personal care communities do not typically provide the level of continuous skilled nursing care found in nursing homes and hospitals. For instance, if a prospective resident needs constant care, a nursing home may be a more viable option.
There is no set standard for assisted living accommodations. Therefore, options can vary greatly from one assisted living community to the next. For instance, some communities offer private rooms featuring kitchenettes and private bathrooms, while others offer shared units or shared bathrooms. Consumers must consider the prospective resident’s personal needs, financial means and personal preferences before selecting a community.
Source: www.ahcancal.org
1. Make an accurate and honest assessment of your physical, financial, mental and lifestyle needs. 2. Visit as many facilities as you can to get a sense of the choices in your area. 3. Narrow down your selection to the top two or three choices and return to those facilities and ask lots of questions. 4. Ask to review a copy of the Resident Agreement (facility contract). 5. Ask to review the licensing or certification inspection report. 6. Call the Long Term Care Ombudsman program and ask if there are complaints about the facilities you are interested in. Contact the ElderCare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or www.eldercare.gov to find your local ombudsman who serves as an advocate for assisted living/personal care and nursing home residents. 7. Make an unannounced visit to the facilities you are interested in. Talk with the residents and their family members about the facility. 8. Ask what conditions or circumstances may result in the need to relocate to another facility. 9. Ask what the baseline fee is and what services are included in that fee. Ask what additional charges apply for services/products. 10. Choose the facility that comes closest to your needs.
From The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL), a national consumer education and advocacy organization. Visit www.ccal.org for more information.
