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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Assisted Living community?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for elders
who need a level of assistance higher than that of a retirement
community, but not as extensive as a medical or nursing home
or hospital. It provides an independent lifestyle with customized
assistance.
How does it differ from other levels of care?
Assisted Living is a unique combination independent living
and care. Unlike nursing homes and other medical facilities,
Assisted Living residences allow elders to maintain a sense
of independence and are involved in a social community; while
at the same time provide the assistance with daily life and
peace of mind that comes with a professional support team.
Who
is best suited for an Assisted Living community?
Assisted Living communities are suited for residents who
need assistance in their daily lives, including preparing
their meals, facilitating transportation, maintaining their
homes, assisting with hygiene, and managing their medication.
It’s also a good option for some residents living with
disorders such as Alzheimer’s, as well as mobility limitations,
incontinence, or other conditions common in one’s senior
years.
What types of supplemental services do many Assisted
Living communities offer?
While most Assisted Living communities have 24-hour supervision
and meal services in common, a variety of additional quality
of life services may be available in your residence of interest,
according to the National Center for Assisted Living’s
(NCAL) 2000 Survey of Assisted Living Facilities. In addition,
supervision for persons with Alzheimer’s or other mental
disabilities can usually be arranged.
What amenities are typically available?
Typical amenities available in Assisted Living residences
may include personal care assistance (bathing, toileting,
dressing, eating), access to health care and medical services,
on-site social and spiritual activities, recreation and exercise
facilities, wellness programs, transportation arrangements,
24-hour security, laundry service, and housekeeping.
What are typical costs?
As reported by the 2006 MetLife Market Survey of Assisted
Living Costs, the costs associated with assisted living averaged
$2,968 per month, or $35,616 yearly. That's up 2.2% or $63
from 2005 and 17.6% from 2004. Just as Assisted Living residences
vary, so too do their costs, which depends mostly on the size
of units, services offered, and location, according to the
National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). The MetLife reports
concurs that rates range considerably by region, with North
Dakota the lowest ($1,742 monthly) and the Bridgewater, New
Jersey area the highest ($5,197 monthly). Many long-term care
insurance policies offset some of the costs, however, reports
NCAL, most Assisted Living expenses are covered by the family
of residents, since most elders do not have such long-term
coverage. Medicare does not cover Assisted Living, but under
certain circumstances, some state and local governments offer
subsidies for rent or service for income-eligible seniors,
according to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA).
Supplement Security Income (SSI) may also help alleviate some
of the cost, while some residences participate in Medicaid,
grant programs, or other assistance.
How are Assisted Living communities licensed?
According to ALFA, regulations and licensure requirements
vary from state to state. It’s important to do your
research to see if your state requires residences to be licensed,
and if so, whether your residences of interest have complied.
Quick Links
Senior Citizens
of Metro Atlanta
DeKalb
County, Senior Affairs
City
of Atlanta Online
DeKalb
Medical Center
V.A. Hospital
Georgia Hospice
and Palliative Care
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Georgia Council
on Aging
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