If you or someone you know is considering Assisted Living facilities, there are a few things you should know. These things include the cost, the staffing patterns, and the level of care offered.
Costs
The costs of assisted living vary by state, city, and zip code. Typically, the more services you require, the more you’ll pay. Some people choose to pay for their senior care through Medicare or Medicaid, while others can use retirement savings or real estate investments. Some states also offer home and community-based waivers.
One way to determine whether or not a particular assisted living facility is right for you is to compare its cost to other senior care options. You may find that a home health aide or hospice care is cheaper. You can check with your local government to learn more about affordable housing and other services for the elderly.
A recent survey by Genworth Financial revealed that assisted living costs have increased more than the national inflation rate. In fact, they have gone up more than most adult day care services.
Staffing patterns
Assisted living communities need staffing to deliver services. Those services include nursing and support staff. The type of staff hired affects the health and quality of life of the residents. A staffing plan can help standardize care, reduce variability, and build patient-centered standards.
Several approaches to assisted living staffing have been studied. The most common method is the ratio method. This method uses a number of caregivers to staff each resident. For example, for each twelve residents, four caregivers are needed. Alternatively, the number of hours a resident needs each day can be calculated.
Another approach to assisted living staffing is the time standard method. This method consists of using the acuity of the patients and adding up all of the available times to determine how many hours a resident needs.
Levels of care offered
In assisted living, residents are given varying levels of care. These are determined by the amount of assistance required to complete daily activities, such as bathing, eating, and using the restroom.
The higher the level of care, the more hands-on assistance that is required. A low level of care requires minimal one-on-one help. At this level, residents can manage their hygiene and personal grooming needs, and may be able to perform some activities of daily living (ADLs) independently.
Having mobility is a key factor in determining the level of care needed. A high level of care requires more than one aide to push a wheelchair or assist with other physical tasks. In addition, a high level of care may require more frequent monitoring of the health of the resident.
Privacy and independence encouraged
A senior living community might be the perfect setting for your senior citizen to get the rest of their days off to a great start. The benefits of being part of a community of like minded seniors include access to a social circle that encourages exercise, healthy dining options, and social interaction. Keeping residents involved in the community also reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. One of the best features of senior living communities is that they are designed to accommodate a variety of needs and abilities. Assisted living facilities have become the go to choice for elderly citizens looking for a place to call home.
Transitioning to an ALF
It’s never easy to make the decision to move an aging parent into an assisted living facility. It’s especially difficult if your loved one has dementia or is experiencing an illness. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your parents transition from home to an ALF.
First, discuss your options with your parents and their doctor. Some ALFs have doctors on staff to provide care to residents. This can help the transition go more smoothly.
Second, visit several ALF communities before deciding on a place for your parent. You can get a sense of their facilities, and talk to people who have moved there. This will help you decide if the community is a good fit.
Third, prepare your elderly parent for the move. If possible, make arrangements for your parent to spend a few days at the ALF. This will help them feel more comfortable and help you better understand their new surroundings.