The array of Assisted Living options has evolved over the years. The term “facility” is rarely used anymore and instead has been replaced with Senior Living Community. In fact, a lot has changed and the options available have grown dramatically. With baby boomers retiring in record numbers, we now see a trend of seniors moving into senior living communities. This assisted living guide will help you adequately prepare to make a move and decide when to transition you or your loved one into a senior living community.
Assisted Living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care, and healthcare.
This level of care also makes it easier for residents to socialize with their peers. There are plenty of common areas where people can gather and structured activities like games, cultural events, dancing, outings, and more. More and more seniors are looking to move into these very modern and lavish communities for these reasons, plus three gourmet prepared meals are provided daily. Several amenities are also offered such as a salon, pool, game room, and spa room.
WHAT QUALIFIES SOMEONE FOR ASSISTED LIVING
Assisted living is a type of housing option for individuals who require some level of assistance with their daily activities but do not need the high level of medical care provided in a nursing home. The qualifications for assisted living can vary depending on the specific facility or country, but here are some general criteria that are typically considered:
- Age: Assisted living is generally available for older adults, typically those who are 55 years of age or older. Some facilities may have a minimum age requirement.
- Physical needs: Assisted living is suitable for individuals who may have difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, medication management, and meal preparation. They may need assistance but are still largely independent.
- Cognitive abilities: Assisted living may also be appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairments, such as early-stage Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The specific level of cognitive impairment accepted may vary by facility.
- Medical condition: While assisted living is not designed to provide extensive medical care, individuals with stable medical conditions that do not require constant monitoring or skilled nursing care can often be accommodated. Facilities may have specific guidelines regarding the types of medical conditions they can support.
- Safety concerns: Assisted living facilities prioritize the safety of their residents. Individuals who may be at risk of living alone due to safety concerns, such as the risk of falls or other accidents, may qualify for assisted living.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and assessment process may vary depending on the country, state, or facility. Typically, an assessment is conducted by the facility or a healthcare professional to determine whether an individual meets the qualifications for assisted living. The assessment aims to ensure that the assisted living facility can adequately meet the person’s needs and that they will receive the appropriate level of care and support.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Assisted Living?
The short answer is no. Assisted Living is privately paid out of pocket and insurance does not cover the cost. However, the below programs offer assistance to help pay.
How Do You Pay for an Assisted Living Facility?
There are a couple of programs that can help cover the cost if you qualify:
- Veteran Aid & Attendance – Must have served during wartime or be a widow of an individual who has served. The Reserves does not qualify.
- LTC Insurance – purchased in advance.
- Long-Term Care Diversion Program through Medicaid – A government state-funded program with income qualifications.
What is the Average Cost of Assisted Living?
The average cost of assisted living care is $3500/month in the state of Florida. Some communities charge less as it depends on each individual building. This amount covers the room and board, utilities, water, cable, and sometimes WIFI, three meals a day, on-site activities, amenities, and transportation to doctor appointments and outings.
What is not included in the above amount is the care costs. Care is additional on top of the base rent and can be charged a few different ways. Typically, care costs are different bundles or levels, typically 1-5, with level 1 starting anywhere from $300-400 and go up depending on the level. Each community will perform an assessment on the resident moving in to determine which level they fall into based on how many things they need help with throughout the day.
There are two other ways care can also be charged: a la carte fees and all-inclusive. They mean exactly how they sound. A la carte fees are where you are charged for each care item that you need (bathing is a charge, dressing is a charge, etc.). All-inclusive indicates that the care is included in the rent, which is great for those who are looking for more affordable options. However, this is harder to find as most do not offer this as an option.
How Can You Tell if it is Time for a Loved One to Move on to Assisted Living?
Having the conversation and ultimately deciding to move your elderly parents or loved ones to assisted living or a type of senior living community is one of the hardest decisions a child must make. There is no right way, but the biggest way to tell if it is time to move your loved one into assisted living is if they are no longer safe living at home. If they are experiencing frequent falls, not receiving the right nutrition, or being unable to maneuver through the home are all signs. They may refuse any support if you offer help and sometimes may insist they are fine even if it’s evident that’s not true.
Like most of us, we believe we will be able to take care of ourselves for the rest of our lives. Close family members can be instrumental in identifying new needs that mom or dad never had to experience before.
How Do You Approach a Senior About the Necessity to Move?
Have the conversation early and often so your senior loved one does not feel blindsided by your decision to move them. Include all decision-makers to make sure you are all on the same page.
Express your concerns when you see changes. Say things like, “Mom, I’m worried about your health and do not like to see you like this. Most of the time, parents do not want to burden their children, making it easier for them to accept change.
Focus on any victories in assisted living. Did your parent enjoy a meal or activity or sleep really well in their new home? When guilt starts to crawl in, remind yourself of all the benefits of care, meaningful activities, and nutritious meals throughout the day.
Accept there will be uncertainty and give time to adjust. As with change, there will be an adjustment period when you move parents or a loved one, just like with children starting a new school for the first time or going to college. But with time and communication, things will get easier. Remember why the choices were made but also remember there may be some uncertainty with how things turn out. Working with a senior placement company like Your Key To Senior Living Options can remove some of this doubt as we provide guidance on The Villages, FL, senior living options that can accommodate your loved ones’ level of care and budget.
Which Senior Living Community is Best for Me or My Loved One?
The process of searching for a senior living community can be an overwhelming experience. With multiple types of facilities to choose from, how do you know which one is best for you or your loved one? We are often asked this question when a family contacts us for help. There are six types of senior living facilities: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Residential Care Homes, Skilled Nursing, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. So how do you know which one is best for you or your loved one? Here is a breakdown of the differences between each one.
Independent Living Facility (ILF)- Average Cost $3000/month
Apartment-sized communities for seniors who do not need specialized care. They offer housekeeping, dining, events, transportation, and activities and typically pay an all-inclusive monthly rate.
If I’m Independent, Why Would I Move to an Independent Living Facility?
Sometimes seniors don’t want to live alone and prefer socialization and oversight. Others prefer to downsize from their large homes to allow others to tend to housekeeping, meal preparations, and transportation. Health care services are often provided by outside providers who either rent an office in the building or visit the building periodically.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF) – Average Cost $3500/month plus level of care
With the same amenities offered in Independent Living, along with daily personal care for activities of daily living (ADLs); bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and medication oversight. Care staff is available 24/7 to help with care needs.
Memory Care (MC) – Average Cost $3350-$6000/month plus level of care
Communities that provide specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in a secure environment. They still have a quality of life and enjoy activities, personalized care, and medication oversight.
Residential Care Homes – Average Cost $2500-$3200/month
A traditional private home that has been converted and adapted to provide care for residents less than 15 but typically around six residents with a caregiver to provide assistance with ADLs. These homes are licensed as assisted living facilities or adult family care homes.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) – Average Cost $6000-$8000
An institution or part of an institution that meets the criteria for accreditation established by the sections of the Social Security Act that determine the basis for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement for skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing care includes rehabilitation and various medical and nursing procedures.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) – Average Buy-in Cost $100k-$400k and $2000-$4000/ monthly service fees
Communities that provide all of the above or some of the above in one campus. A resident can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC and move between levels of care all on the same campus. There is typically a large sum of money for the initial buy-in for the community. When the money runs out, one can continue to stay and age in place.
Respite Stays are Available – Average Cost $150-$200/day
Temporary institutional care of a dependent elderly, ill, or handicapped person, providing relief for their usual caregivers. Senior living communities such as assisted living often offer respite stays.
Can You Get Kicked Out of an Assisted Living Facility?
An assisted living is not legally allowed to “kick you out”. What they are allowed to do is issue a 45-day notice to vacate. That being said, when a new resident moves in, the goal is never to get here. Much time is spent on the initial assessment to ensure the resident is appropriate for their assisted living community. The nurse is present, the care team, and typically the sales director. They ensure the community can accommodate current and long-term care goals, help decide if they can financially afford it, and ultimately determine if culturally, they will like it there.
Of course, sometimes this does not always happen.
Unfortunately, as senior advisors, we have seen 45-day notices written to residents. When you work with a senior living advisor, we aim to make sure this does not happen but typically if one is written, it is typically due to:
- The resident has memory issues or has progressed in their dementia journey and the community can no longer accommodate them. A common behavior of Dementia is wandering or leaving the home. In Assisted living, they are not secured, so residents can come and go as they please and are not closely monitored like they are in memory care. In an instance like this, we would make sure that if we knew there was a dementia diagnosis, in the beginning, we would help locate memory care or an assisted living that has memory care, so the resident could transition if needed.
- The resident has become violent toward themselves or others. Typically, in both assisted living and memory care, they will do everything in their power to try to calm the resident down in a number of ways. This includes calling the doctor, altering meds, redirection, etc. If this does not work, and the resident is a threat to themselves or others, they may call to have them taken to a temporary facility, commonly known as baker acting.
- While every situation is different, the priority is the safety of the resident and residents currently living in assisted living. As senior advisors, we narrow down and present options that will work best for you or your loved one.
Should You Work with a Senior Living Advisor to Locate Assisted Living?
It can be an overwhelming experience as most families have to address the needs of their loved ones while having to take the time to search through countless communities that may or may not meet their needs, budget, and criteria. This process can be costly without proper guidance and may take longer than needed.
An experienced senior living advisor can save you time and money by narrowing down options and working as your advocate during this already emotional and confusing time.
When searching for senior living options, your senior living advisor should consider five important factors.
- Geography
- The culture within the facility
- Amenities
- Monthly Rate and Community Fees
- and most importantly, the level of care.
A clinical element exists in senior living, especially in assisted living and memory care. These communities may have different license types and be limited in what care they can provide for their seniors.
Selecting a community that does not match your needs and likes can be costly, with the average cost of assisted living in Florida being around $3500 per month. That rate will most likely not include specialized memory care (secured for those with Dementia & Alzheimer’s) and any move-in fees associated with the selection of the community.
We highly encourage our families, caregivers, and referral sources in the community, such as nursing homes, rehabs, doctors, elder law attorneys, and home health companies, to really take the time and research their senior placement provider’s credentials, level of experience, professionalism, and reviews that reflect a history of providing successful transitions with attention to the level of care and passion.
Not all senior placement companies are the same; unfortunately, as of today, senior placement companies as a whole are not regulated. We want to caution families and seniors to use extreme diligence in selecting a senior placement company and or senior living advisor with their senior living transitional needs. We would also encourage families to ask their senior living advisors about their credentials and background, as these are extremely important in an unregulated industry.
Things to Ask Your Senior Living Advisor
- Experience level. What type of credentials do they have?
- Are they local, and do they know the market they represent? Or are they based in another state providing virtual guidance?
- Are they charging you a fee, or are they complementary to you?
- How are they paid for their service?
- Will they be there with you during the transitional process to help guide you and answer any questions you may have?
- Will they represent you as your advocate and have your best interest in mind?
Proper assessment is critical in order to determine which direction to guide you or your loved one in. As mentioned previously, there is a clinical element when selecting an appropriate assisted living or memory care facility, as there are four different senior living license types in the state of Florida.
Selecting a senior placement company, like Your Key To Senior Living Options, with experience, professionalism, and passion for what they do will provide a positive overall experience and ensure that a proper placement has occurred. Let our experts guide you!
For more information about assisted living near you or to speak with an experienced senior living advisor today, call us directly at 352-766-5274.
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