Assisted living
with recreation
Assisted-living facilities ideally offer residents a clean, safe, attractive environment that meets their specific needs at a reasonable cost. Medicaid may help with some of the costs associated with this type of long-term care. Facilities, like the residents in them, differ greatly. Most offer some type of recreational activities along with the assistance required due to age or disability. Others may have a special area for those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia related issues. Know your specific needs and preferences before you begin your search.
Definition
Assisted-living facilities, or ALFs as they are commonly called, can be anything from a modest private home in a residential neighborhood to a luxurious multi-story building adjacent to a shopping mall. Rules for these facilities vary from state to state. Some assisted-living facilities are part of a complex containing everything from independent living apartments to nursing homes offering skilled care and rehabilitation services. It is usually senior citizens and the disabled who occupy this type of long-term care arrangement.
Cost
Because they vary so much in size and types of service offered, assisted-living facilities also vary tremendously in cost. A small private home with no signs outside may house a caregiver with a few senior citizens who no longer cook, clean or do laundry for themselves and do not wish to live alone. This type of care may cost less than $10,000 a year. Long-term care in a large facility with nurses on staff 24 hours a day can cost in excess of $50,000 annually. Average cost in the United States is $1,800 per month, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. (Prices as of November 2009.)
Payment
Medicaid is a combined program between state and federal governments that helps the elderly and people who are disabled handle costs for health care when they cannot afford to pay for it themselves. Medicaid might pay for some of the health care services offered in an assisted living facility. Medicare and Medicaid do not pay overall for this type of long-term care. Some health insurance and some long-term care insurance does pay for some of these expenses. The resident or her family covers most of the cost for assisted-living facilities. Sorting through this information, especially because there are so many variables, is often very frustrating for families. Ask your doctor, lawyer or clergyman if he can help.
Other Considerations
The needs, income and assets of the resident will determine whether Medicaid will pay for any required services in an assisted-living facility. Ask your hospital's social worker or case manager for help if this need arises during a hospital stay. Visit assisted living facilities in your area to determine which one might best fit your needs. The facility's administrator or social worker, especially in a large facility or one associated with a nursing home, should be able to answer your questions or point you in the right direction to get answers in your area.
Choose Wisely
Location, services offered, personal preferences, costs and type of licensing are all areas of concern when choosing an assisted-living facility or any type of long-term care residence. Some ALFs are licensed and staffed so the resident never has to leave (except for acute hospital care), but may age in place with assistance provided regardless of physical condition. Hospice care, if required, is often an option in these facilities. Other places are only for ambulatory residents in need of slight assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as hygiene and meals. Visit several facilities and ask questions. Contact your local long-term care ombudsman (advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities) by calling 1-800-677-1116 and giving them your location. Ask if there are any complaints against the facilities that you are considering. Know your options before making a choice.
