An assisted living facility is suitable for those who need a little amount of daily care. Medical needs can be answered in the form of assistance with medication or occasional skilled nursing care. The average resident living in an assisted living facility is an 80-year-old mobile female that has moved from a private living arrangement to a facility. Approximately, 1.2 million people live in 30,000 assisted living facilities across the United States. It is not recommended to live in an assisted living facility if an individual requires a wheelchair for mobility, has severe cognitive impairment, or has behavior patterns, such as wandering. The conventional resident typically lives in an assisted living facility for 2 to 3 years before moving to a nursing home.
- Assisted living facility are for those who need little care.
- The average resident is an 80-year-old mobile female.
- 1.2 million people live in assisted living facilities in America.
- A resident usually lives in an assisted living facility 2-3 years before moving to a nursing home.
Resident Rights
Assisted living facilities create an environment that allow individuals to stay independent as long as possible. A person’s autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety while making a point of time with family and involvement in the community are the most important. If a resident of the facility is temporarily incapacitated they should be able to remain in the facility or be readmitted after outside care has been provided.
The basic rights of assisted living facilities include:
- Privacy
- Freedom from neglect or abuse
- Self-control of personal finances
- Representation in residential councils
- Being treated with dignity and respect
- Retention and use of personal possessions
- Continued practice of or abstinence from religion
- Freedom to interact with individuals inside and outside of the facility
- Receipt of all evaluations of medical needs and health-related services
Living Arrangements and Services
The living arrangements in assisted living homes are usually semi private or private apartments. This can include a furnished or unfurnished bedroom, kitchen area, and bathroom. Apartments can range from private studios or private one-bedroom apartments to a shared apartment, either one-bedroom or dormitory style.
The services provided include:
- Restaurant-style dining room with convenient dining hours
- Activities and game room
- Full service beauty salon and barber shop
- Computer and internet access
- 24-hour emergency response system
- Wired for telephone
- Basic Cable
- Complimentary laundry facilities
- Conveniently located near hospitals and medical facilities
- Small pets welcome
- Housekeeping
- Community Clubhouse activities
Typically, assisted living facilities team up with home health agencies to provide skilled nursing care. An orientation should take place showing the facilities and services provided to the future resident and family. An initial evaluation should take place to see which services the resident may need. A follow-up reevaluation should occur often to make modifications to the services provided. Access to these evaluations should be easily accessible and documented in the resident’s records.
Fees and Payments
Depending on the assisted living facility, services are included in the facilities basic service costs, but some may charge additional fees. In general, the fees for an assisted living facility include the facility and some services. Fees differ between assisted living facilities because the facilities differ greatly and payments may be based on an all-inclusive monthly price, tiered pricing based on required services, pricing based on individual services requested by resident, or a combination of these.
Assisted living homes are generally less expensive than nursing homes. The average cost a month is around $2,000 for an assisted living facility. Although, it can range from $500 to more than $3,500 based on availability, location, and size. For the most part residents pay for assisted living on their own, but in some situations states provide public assistance in the form of medicaid, supplemental security income, or social services block grant programs.
- Payments for facilities typically include service costs.
- Fees for assisted living facilities include the facility and some services
- Fees differ between assisted living facilities.
- Costs range from $500-$3,500
- Most residents pay for assisted living on their own, sometimes public assistance is provided.
Quality of Care
When searching for an assisted living facility it’s important to find out the regulations governing the facility in that area. Federal regulations do not exist for assisted living facilities, but with assisted living growing rapidly states starting to form regulatory systems. Checking the qualifications of the administrator and service providers is important when searching for a facility.
Evaluating an administrator:
- An adequate education
- Experience in the field
- Ongoing training to meet residents’ health and psycho-social needs
- Management ability that meets those required by the setting
The number and type of staff is based on the size of the assisted living facility, the services offered, and special requirements of the residents. Staff of an assisted living facility typically includes activity director, administrators, certified nurse assistants, food service managers, health/wellness directors, maintenance personnel, nurses, and personal care attendants, as well as contracted services from beauticians, dietitians, nutritionists, physical therapists, and physicians.
Evaluating care staff:
- A sufficient number to meet the 24-hour scheduled needs of the residents
- A sufficient number to meet any unscheduled needs that might arise
- A sufficient number to meet any needs the care recipients’ families might have
- Individuals with the education, skills, and ongoing training to serve residents’ needs
The Victorian Understands the Importance of Senior Nutrition
The Victorian Assisted Living & Retirement Center in South Dakota strives to make the best quality of life possible for all our residents. Our staff works hard 24 hours a day to ensure every resident’s needs are met to the fullest.
We also understand the importance of healthy eating for seniors. Not only do we provide balanced meals, but we also do everything possible to cater to residents’ special dietary needs. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living or moving into a retirement center, contact The Victorian today or pay us a visit to check out our facilities. You can also give us a call at 775-204-8421.
