The last time we talked about what to look for when considering an Independent Living Facility. What if you need more care and cannot manage your own medication? An Assisted Living Residence (ALR) is an adult home or enriched housing program that has been licensed by the Department of Health. Assisted living is the choice to consider if there are some personal care needs, some supervision, meals, and perhaps medication administration.
The Assisted Living facility is required to provide twenty-four-hour on-site monitoring and case management services. Residents share common areas, such as the dining room or living room. Most are on a private pay or long-term care insurance basis – typically $4000 – $7000/mo.
Some families wait to begin their search until a senior has an urgent need. Every senior has their own needs and values, so do some research to facilitate your ideal situation before it’s a crisis situation.
Things to consider:
- Is Assisted Living the correct level of care? Try for the lowest level of care. Have a Patient Review Instrument and Screen completed.
- Are on-site medical visits available? If you have limitations in mobility, seeing your PMD, podiatrist or even blood draws in-facility can be a big help.
- Does the facility have a Memory Care unit? Important when more direct attention or observation is needed by staff, and there is a chance of wandering.
- What are your staffing ratios and qualifications?
- What is included in the cost? Deposit needed? How many meals? Laundry, housekeeping, medication administration, etc.
