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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The answers to some frequently asked questions appear below.  Click on a question to read our response.  Have questions that aren't on our list?  Email us at info@A-LConsultants.com.

What is Assisted Living? Who lives in Assisted Living residences? What does an Assisted Living residence look like? How is Assisted Living regulated? What types of services are offered in Assisted Living residences? What about costs? Who pays the bill for an Assisted Living residence? What is long term care insurance? How do I get long term care insurance coverage? What is Assisted Living? The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) defines an Assisted Living residence as a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs -- both scheduled and unscheduled -- of those who need help with activities of daily living.   <Back to top>   Who lives in Assisted Living residences? Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 20,000 Assisted Living residences. Assisted Living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. A typical resident is a woman in her eighties and is either widowed or single. Residents may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorders. Residents may also need help with incontinence or mobility.  <Back to top>   What does an Assisted Living residence look like? Assisted Living residences can range from a high-rise apartment complex to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. Residences may be free standing or combined with other residential options, such as independent living or nursing care. They may be operated by non-profit or for-profit companies. Most facilities have between 25 and 120 units. There is no single blueprint, because consumers' preferences and needs vary widely. Units may vary in size from one room to a full apartment.   <Back to top>   How is Assisted Living regulated? Regulations and licensing regulations vary from state to state contributing to the wide range of senior housing models considered Assisted Living. Most providers and their staff have special training as a result of either state requirements or company policy. Some states require special staff certification and training. Residences must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations.  We believe the most successful regulations are consumer driven, balancing the safety concerns we all share with the consumers' desires to retain their independence and freedom of choice.  <Back to top>   What types of services are offered in Assisted Living residences? Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include: Three meals a day served in a common dining area Housekeeping services Transportation Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking Access to health and medical services 24-hour security and staff availability Emergency call systems for each resident's unit Health promotion and exercise programs Medication management Personal laundry services Social and recreational activities  <Back to top>   What about costs? Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of services needed by the residents. Across the nation, daily basic fees range from approximately $45 to $200, depending on whether the facility accepts Medicaid residents or is strictly private pay.  Under either scenario these costs are generally less than the cost of home health services and nursing home care. A basic Assisted Living fee may cover all services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most Assisted Living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few residences require long-term arrangements.  <Back to top>   Who pays the bill for an Assisted Living residence? Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual's health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. Government payments for Assisted Living residences have been limited. Some state and local governments offer subsidies for rent or services for low income elders. Others may provide subsidies in the form of an additional payment for those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Some states also utilize Medicaid waiver programs to help pay for Assisted Living services.   <Back to top>   What is long term care insurance? Long term care insurance covers varied services you need when you are no longer able to care for yourself and need assistance.  Your need for those services may result from an illness, injury, gradual frailty or a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.  Long-term care services range from assistance with certain day-to-day activities to more specialized nursing care or therapy services.  <Back to top>   How do I get long term care insurance coverage? You can obtain long term care insurance from most local agencies.  State Farm, Conseco, Penn Treaty and other major companies offer these policies.  <Back to top>