What is Assisted Living?
Large, Assisted Living Facilities
These are large, residential care facilities that provide a tailored senior care plan which includes help with bathing, grooming, housekeeping, medication reminders, meals and transportation. These assisted living facilities provide stimulating senior activities and opportunities for social interaction in a friendly environment. Many assisted living facilities have dementia approval and are qualified to care for Alzheimer's/Dementia residents. Many assisted living facilities also have Hospice waiver and are approved to care for residents on hospice. A limited number of assisted living facilities accept Supplemental Social Income (SSI) as long as the resident is alert and requires minimal assistance.
Services provided by assisted living in basic monthly fees:
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Restaurant style meals- 3 meals per day, beverages and snacks are provided throughout the day.
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Emergency response system
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Utilities
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Social activities
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Housekeeping
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Laundry
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Transportation
Small Assisted Living Facilities (Board & Care)
These are small, home-based residential care facilities that provide care for 4-12 senior residents, per home. Board and care homes are typically single family, private homes that owned and ran by the same individual. These senior care facilities provide assistance with bathing, grooming, toileting, housekeeping, and incontinence care and medication management. Many Board and Care facilities have Dementia and Hospice waiver. Some facilities do provide transportation to/from doctor.
A board and care home is a suitable option if your loved one:
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requires more one-on-one care
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is unable to get around in a larger setting or prefers a cozier setting
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prefer the consistency and continuity of one primary caregiver
Cost of Assisted Living
Assisted living costs vary, depending on:
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Level of Care
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Size of apartment (studio, one or two-bedroom apartment, shared room)
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Location
Typically, most large senior communities charge a basic rate that covers room & board, utilities, housekeeping, restaurant style dinning, laundry and social activities. There is an additional charge for level of care. The level of care is determined by the Assisted Living facility when performing a face-to-face assessment. Most large communities charge a onetime community fee upon admission. These community fees vary by community.
Room & Board facilities typically have an all-inclusive rate. Rates vary depending on level of care and size of the room. Most Board & Care Homes do not have a community fee but may charge an assessment fee.
Medicare does not cover the cost of any type of assisted living facilities and rarely does Medicaid. There may be some state programs or even federal programs, like the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits that help cover the cost.
