What Exactly Is an Assisted Living Community?
If you have heard about assisted living communities, you may wonder what exactly distinguishes them from other types of locations, such as nursing homes. If you're curious how the differences might impact you or your loved one, read the following factors.
Limitations
Most states have strict rules in place that draw a clear distinction between assisted living care and other options. Assisted living communities are not allowed, for example, to provide any type of skilled nursing services. This means that someone who might require diabetic wound care may need to hire a third party to provide it.
Advantages
Assisted living professionals can help people with everyday needs. This may cover concerns about things like housekeeping, transportation, laundry, bathing, and other issues that individuals with age-related mobility problems often experience. Most facilities will have at least one licensed nurse on-call on a 24-hour basis as well, which ensures that any potential medical emergencies will be met with an immediate response. It is wise, though, to ask exactly how many professionals are available during the night and what their qualifications are.
Most assisted living communities tend to have a more open structure that tries to mimic a small town more than a nursing home or a hospital, a feature that makes them very attractive. Depending upon the location's options, it may be possible to get a house or a single residential unit. Couples are also frequently encouraged to move to assisted living communities together, and this can be particularly advantageous if one partner has a greater need for daily support than the other does.
Commitments
Before moving into any community, you'll want to inquire about expected commitments. Some locations may require, for example, a one-year commitment. You should, however, be able to find one that does not require you to enter into any strict sort of agreement. You may also want to ask an attorney to review the details of any agreement before you decide whether or not to sign it.
Costs
Assisted living communities' costs range from about $1,500 to $6,000 per month, with a median price of about $3,500. Medicare does not typically provide payments to assisted living locations, although related home care costs may be covered. The costs of assisted living communities do cover a variety of expenses, including meal preparation, security, transportation, and groceries. Prospective residents may also want to consider the advantages of not having to pay property taxes and utility bills.
