Requirements for Assisted Living
Assisted living exists to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes, according to Assisted Living Info. Although residents are not able to completely care for themselves, they do not need constant attention. Many people choose to live in assisted living facilities over nursing homes to be as independent as possible for as long as possible.
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Understanding Assisted Living
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Defining assisted living in one concrete way is impossible because of the variety of definitions that vary by state. Definitions on exactly what assisted living means to certain facilities vary due to the different requirements for licensure and different laws governing assisted living facilities.
A broad definition is that assisted living facilities help to aid senior citizens in activities in which they can no longer preform, such as bill pay or personal hygiene, while allowing as much independence to the resident as possible.
Assisted living facilities have many names that they go by, including personal care homes, residential care facilities, domiciliary care, sheltered housing and community residences.
Requirements for Assisted Living
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Certain requirements for assisted living facilities have been implemented in order to accept or retain individuals.
According to Help Guide, the basic services required for an assisted living facility are as follows: preparation of meals each day; 24-hour supervision; assistance with bathing, dressing, eating; laundry and housekeeping; transportation; security; health and exercise programs; and assistant with medication.
Some facilities go above and beyond the requirements to include luxuries such as exercise rooms, chapels and libraries.
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Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living
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According to Help Guide, an assisted living facility differs from a nursing home in the following ways: an assisted living facility does not offer extensive medical care, rather, assisted living facilities place greater emphasis on personal privacy and autonomy. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed for people who need medical professionals providing them care and services each day.
Residents of assisted living homes are much healthier and independent.
Employees of Assisted Living
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Due to an excessive rate of turnover in the field, retaining skilled workers takes a lot of effort. Assisted-living facilities see a turnover that averages 120 percent.
Jobs at an assisted living facility include both nurses and non-nurses. Jobs such as receptionist, sales and wait staff require friendly and outgoing people, but generally, experience is not necessary. The director of assisted living facilities usually require a registered nurse (RN) licensure and experience. Directors are responsible for programs and services being delivered to patients.
Cost for Assisted Living
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The cost of assisted living has a wide range depending on room size, services offered and several other factors. Ranges run between $800 and $4,000 per month, and some could go higher. According to Assisted Living Info, the average cost for an assisted living facility falls between $60 and $70 per day, compared to $75 to $235 per day for a nursing home.
Medicare does not cover any assisted living expenses; however, the cost of assisted living is more affordable than hiring someone for in-home care and nursing homes, which is one of the drawing factors for assisted living facilities.
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