An assisted living primer: What options to consider

Assisted living has become increasingly popular in the senior long term care arena. So what should seniors and their families expect from Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is a living option for those seniors with minimal needs for assistance with daily living and care. The purpose of assisted living is to allow seniors to live as independently as possible in a safe environment.

When is assisted living appropriate?
When a person is unable to take care of their daily living needs, like dressing, bathing, cooking, shopping, paying bills and taking medications, it is time to think about assisted living.

What is the difference between independent living, assisted living and nursing homes?
Independent living communities are more like retirement communities, targeting seniors over the age of 55. Independent living residents typically do not require any assistance with daily living activities, but may enjoy amenities such as housekeeping, laundry and meals. Assisted living offers the same home-like setting as independent living, but along with supportive services. Nursing homes are for seniors who require around-the-clock care at a much higher level than those who reside in assisted living facilities. Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care.

What does assisted living provide?
Most assisted living facilities provide an unfurnished apartment, with w assistance available as needed. Assistance may include meals, housekeeping, laundry, daily bed making and trash pick-up, dressing assistance, bathing assistance and reminders.

What are the entry requirements for assisted living?
Most assisted living facilities require an application and most also require a community fee prior to entry. A history and physical exam from a physician is usually required as well. Some facilities maintain a waiting list of applicants as needed.

What if my loved one does not need assistance with daily living activities?
Assisted living offers a variety of levels of care – from offering assistance with meals, housekeeping and laundry services to assistance with bathing and dressing needs. The services you receive are built around your personal needs.

I am worried that my loved one is not taking their medications correctly. Can assisted living help?
Assisted living offers medication management assistance for those residents who know what medications they are taking and why they are taking them. This is usually referred to as medication reminders; a staff member will come in and remind the resident when it is time to take their medication. Some residents employ a third-party agency to administer medications to their loved one in assisted living. This service is usually an additional fee.

Will assisted living assist with my loved one’s medical needs?
Assisted living works on a social model of care, with the intention of helping older adults live as independently as possible in their own home setting. Assisted Living does not assist with medical needs; there is no 24-hour nursing supervision. Residents requiring medical supervision will not be able to receive this in an assisted living setting.

Does Medicare or Medicaid help pay for assisted living?
No. Assisted living is not covered by any insurance, except for long-term care insurance. Assisted living facilities run on a private-pay basis. The fees vary depending upon the size of the apartment and level of services needed.

How are assisted living communities regulated?
In the state of Louisiana, assisted living communities are licensed as Adult Residential Care Facilities under the Department of Health and Hospitals.

Wayne Plaisance is chief executive officer of Chateau de Notre Dame in New Orleans. The ministry of the Archdiocese of New Orleans offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Levels of care range from a basic level, for those who may not require assistance with daily living activities, to higher levels providing assistance with bathing, dressing and daily reminders. Three meals per day are provided in the Chateau de Notre Dame dining room. Weekly activities include cooking demos, grocery trips, bingo, movies and more. Escorted transportation to and from the doctor’s office also is included.