Featured Articles
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Assisted Living Checklist - This checklist has the
essential questions to ask when you call or visit an assisted
living community.
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Guide to Choosing Assisted Living - This in-depth
guide helps you decide which assisted living facility is right for
you. Use it to evaluate the services, features and policies offered
by the various communities you visit.
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Compare Assisted Living Costs - Is it true that
assisted living costs more than living at home? This cost
comparison can help you find out what's right for your family.
Redefining Senior Care
A relatively new concept 25 years ago, today assisted living is
the fastest growing long-term care option for seniors. Assisted
living facilities, with their wide range of services, provide a
senior housing solution for adults who can live independently, but
also require some assistance. For many seniors, assisted living
provides just the level of care they need to flourish and triumph
in their new phase of life. After all, the golden years should be
enjoyable-and assisted living has more options than ever
before.
Cost of Assisted Living
Assisted living costs vary, depending on the following
factors:
- Type of residence
- Size of apartment (studio, one or two-bedroom
apartment)
- Types of services needed
- Geographical location of the community
Many communities charge a basic rate that covers all services,
with an additional fee for special services. Most assisted living
communities charge a month-to-month rate, but there are also
long-term options available.
Typically, base rates only cover room and board and a service of
daily meals, determined by the assisted living community. Sometimes
there are entrance fees, deposits and laundry and housekeeping
fees. But because these all vary by community, it's important to
ask each community about their individual costs and services.
According to Genworth.com, the average cost for a one-bedroom
assisted living apartment in the U.S. in 2012 was $3,300 per month;
an increase of 1.19% over 2011 with a five-year annual growth of
5.71%. Studio and two-bedroom assisted living apartments varied,
accordingly.
Services Offered in
Assisted Living
Each state has different licensing and regulation requirements for assisted
living providers, which affects the particular services offered
at that assisted living community. For example, some assisted
living facilities are attached to, or share a campus with, a
skilled nursing facility. This means these types of communities can
provide more advanced medical care. But, in general, assisted
living communities provide basic medical monitoring as well as
daily activities and care. Activities of daily living (ADLs)
include dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, bathing, toileting,
using the telephone and shopping.
Here are some of the basic services offered in assisted
living:
- 24-hour supervision and security
- 2-to-3 daily meals
- Basic housekeeping
- Laundry
- Health and exercise programs
- Social programs
- Transportation
- Access to medical services
The term "assisted living" is an industry term to describe
certain communities and/or facilities. The term "assisted
living" may or may not reflect official state requirements
concerning licensing, level of care, and/or the services that
are provided. We recommend that when considering these
communities and/or facilities you request to see their state
license and/or contact your state's licensing authority for
clarification on license type, level of care, and/or the services
that are provided.