Who Needs Assisted Living?

Though we are living longer, healthier lives than ever, for some, there comes a point when living independently is no longer an option. Seemingly little tasks like dressing, bathing and preparing meals become difficult. Driving to pick up medications and groceries becomes difficult, even dangerous.

But, hey, you’re not ready for the nursing home yet, thank you very much. You are still relatively healthy. And you want to live as independently as possible.

Enter assisted living.

Profile of Residents

If you’re wondering who the “average” resident of an assisted living facility is, there is no simple answer. But we can provide some statistics that will give you a clearer picture. The National Center for Assisted Living compiled the following information on residents across the country.

General

• Average age is 86.9
• Average move-in age is 84.6
• Residents are 74% female, 26% male
• Average assets (including home) $431,000
• Average income $27,260

ADL Help

• 81% need help with meds
• 64% need help bathing
• 39% need help dressing
• 26% need help toileting
• 19% need help with transfers
• 12% need help with eating

Health Conditions

• Hypertension 66%
• Arthritis 42%
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia 38%
• Heart Disease 33%
• Depression 30%
• Osteoporosis 27%
• Glaucoma 19%
• Diabetes 17%
• Stroke 14%

Typical Services and Amenities

These services will vary but in general expect the following:

• Assistance with ADLs such as medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, and transport
• Three meals a day served in a dining area
• Housekeeping
• 24-hour security
• Emergency call systems in the apartments
• Access to medical services
• Staff available 24/7
• Exercise and recreational activities
• Social activities
• Personal laundry services
• Transportation
• Alzheimer’s and dementia care

Is Assisted Living Regulated?

Yes. All 50 states have regulation and inspection in place to monitor their facilities. You’ll find these agencies on a state’s website usually under the Department of Health, Social Services, or Aging.

On these sites, you’ll find regulations and sometimes you’ll be able to view inspection reports for individual facilities.

Here is a sampling of regulations you may find:

• Scope of care or what services the facilities provide
• Third party scope of care, which specify if outside care agencies can provide care
• Move in/Move out requirements
• Resident assessments indicate if a resident’s needs can be met by the facility
• Medication management
• Facility size requirements
• Room sixe requirements
• Bathroom requirements
• Staffing requirements including numbers, times staffed and education

What are the Costs of Assisted Living?

Like other similar markets such as housing, assisted living costs are dictated by several factors: apartment size; facility amenities; local market conditions.

The Genworth Financial Cost of Long-Term Care Survey found the following:

The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility is $3,261 a month. Then further compare two large states: New York and Florida. New York’s average cost is $3,660 while Florida’s is just $2,663.

And compare (though nursing homes provide a higher level of care) these further with the average cost of a nursing home at $6,479 a month.

Pricing is normally done on a tier basis such as all-inclusive, fee-for-service, or a la carte.

Assisted living costs are typically paid on a month-to-month basis but some facilities require a long-term rental agreement. Billing is usually monthly.

Paying for Assisted Living

Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living. Medicaid may or may not assist with payment depending on the state you live in and whether you meet certain requirements.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veteran’s Affairs are other potential payment sources.

Most seniors pay for assisted living through private funds or with long-term care insurance.

To find assisted living facilities in your area, use our advanced search option above. And if you have more questions, contact us by clicking on the link at the bottom.