Return to the Brecht Associates Site Assisted Living May Be the Answer by Nicole D. Muller Often times, seniors find themselves in need of some support. It may be that they are living alone in a large home and can no longer manage the stairs or the preparation of nutritious meals. Or maybe they are getting a little bit forgetful and can't remember when to take their medications. Perhaps they have difficulty getting to the store and to medical appointments. And what would happen if they fell in the shower or suddenly became ill? For many children of aging parents, this scenario can become very frightening. Assisted living communities are becoming the answer for many families What is Assisted Living? Assisted living, also termed personal care in Pennsylvania, caters to the senior who can't quite manage on their own but who does not require nursing care on a daily basis. Assisted living can be found along with a nursing home or independent community, it can be the intermediate level of care in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), or it can be a freestanding community. . CCRC's offer independent living, assisted living and nursing care on the same campus so that as a resident's needs change, they can be cared for in the most appropriate setting within the community. Assisted living typically offers support with what is known as activities of daily living. These activities of daily living include assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, and medication monitoring as needed. In addition to these services, there are many supportive services which routinely are provided. Perhaps the most important feature of an assisted living community is knowing that there is help nearby if and when the need arises. Most apartments are equipped with emergency call response systems which quickly summon nursing staff. Seniors and their families no longer need to worry about isolation, proper nutrition, and upkeep of the home when they make the decision to move to an assisted living community. Three nutritious meals are provided daily and are often served in an elegant restaurant-style dining room. Various activities are also offered including everything from shopping trips to concerts to arts and crafts. These activities create a stimulating environment and are designed to foster socialization. Active lifestyles are encouraged and residents seem to thrive within these communities. Residents also benefit from regularly scheduled housekeeping in their apartment which typically includes laundry services. Many of the newer communities offer services within the community such as a bank, beauty/barber shop, library, medical office, and even a convenience store. For those who need to access shopping and medical services outside of the campus, transportation is usually provided. There are many other advantages to living in an assisted living environment which aren't quite as obvious. There is a sense of family within an assisted living community. "Residents look out for each other. They know when someone doesn't show up for a meal or for their favorite activity," explained Lori High, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Sunrise Assisted Living. "Our employees also know the residents as individuals and they understand their likes and dislikes and can observe any changes." These relationships are another form of security which can help identify any problems a resident may be having. This level of attention can't be matched if someone is living alone at home. What will assisted living cost? Assisted living can be a less expensive alternative to nursing home care. Assisted living communities typically charge a monthly fee which covers services and amenities. Pricing from community to community can vary significantly based on what is included in the fee. Some cover a few basic services and charge extra for specific needs while others are "all-inclusive" and provide all of the services and care needed with no extra charges. Compare fees and services and make sure you understand exactly what is included in the monthly fee and what you will be charged extra for. It may be that it will be more reasonable in the long run to pay an all-inclusive fee versus a pay-as-you-go program. In the Philadelphia area, monthly fees can range from approximately $800 - $4,000. It is helpful to create a list of all the current expenses being spent to maintain the home including food, utilities, transportation, taxes and household maintenance and repair. If you compare this figure to the monthly fee it probably is not that much more and the benefits of moving will greatly outweigh any difference. Most assisted living communities are currently paid with private funds without reimbursement from Medicare. Some long-term insurance policies now supply coverage for assisted living. In some states, innovative subsidy programs are becoming available for those who can't afford the monthly fees. What should I look for in an assisted living community? Start by contacting your local office on aging and other referral sources for a list of available communities either in your area or near your parent's familiar neighborhood. Tour the communities you are most interested in and do a careful comparison of them. Make observations about the attitude and appearance of the staff and residents and how they interact with each other. Look for the atmosphere of the community and whether it is clean, comfortable and appealing to your loved one. Some communities are home-like and others appear stark and institutional. Your tour should include different apartment types and sizes and you can compare these with the other communities you tour. Observe the common spaces and amenities and ask to stay for a meal so you can rate the quality of the food. You will be able to see clear differences between communities and make an educated decision as to which one can care for your loved one in the most suitable way. Questions to consider: What is the specific amount of personal care services included in the monthly fee? How many hours of personal care are included and what are the additional charges? Who owns and manages the community? Is it a non-profit group, a religious affiliation, a large corporation specializing in assisted living? Are any of these affiliations particulary important to you? What are the differences between these groups? What happens if a resident runs out of money? At what point would a resident need to be transferred to a nursing home? How is this handled? Is there a special program for dementia? Return to the Brecht Associates Site