What is Assisted Living?

What is assisted living? This is often one of the first questions asked by individuals who are not familiar with its concept. Assisted living facilities are often viewed as providing the best of both worlds for its residents. A resident of assisted living facilities will be provided with as much freedom as he or she would possibly like; however, they may rest assured that personal care, assistance, and support services will be readily available if they should so need them. For example, assisted living often offers its residents assistance with the daily activities of life, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.

It should be noted that assisted living differs from nursing homes in the fact that they do not offer complex or skilled medical services for their residents. In their most basic definition, assisted living environments provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs); coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.Larger Assisted Living Communities can often assume the social atmosphere of a resort.It is not uncommon to hear of assisted living facilities referred to as residential care homes or board and care homes. These are smaller setting care homes designed for the frail resident. (seeWhat Is a Residential Care Home)

In general, most assisted living facilities offer a wide range of recreations, social, and education programs for their residents. The combination of independence and social interaction of these communities is often quite attractive to seniors who are still somewhat independent. Most accommodations for assisted living facilities assume the form of apartments or small townhomes. These homes may be studios or feature 1-2 bedrooms with small kitchenettes and a living room. Residents generally do not have to concern themselves with building or outdoor maintenance.

How Are They Paid

As a general rule, assisted living facilities are often paid from an individual’s own private funds; however, there are certain exceptions to this rule. There are some long term care insurance policies who will offer assistance in paying for the costs of living in a licensed assisted living facility. For those with genuine financial needs, MediCal funding and waivers can be obtained for assistance in paying for residential care homes. Veterans, or the widows of veterans, can occasionally qualify for additional pensions that can offset the cost of paying for assisted living.

How They Are Regulated

Assisted living facilities are regulated by individual states. Within the fine state of California, the Department of Social Services’ Community Care Licensing Department is responsible for regulating assisted living facilities.

Where Can I Find Assisted Living?

To speak with a family advisor about assisted living facilities and communities, please call 1-760-218-5309.