2. 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. |
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3. What is the philosophy of assisted living?
ALFA members subscribe to a 10-point philosophy of care:
- Offering cost-effective quality care that is personalized for individual needs
- Fostering independence for each resident
- Treating each resident with dignity and respect
- Promoting the individuality of each resident
- Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle
- Protecting each resident's right to privacy
- Nurturing the spirit of each resident
- Involving family and friends, as appropriate, in care planning and implementation
- Providing a safe, residential environment
- Making the assisted living residence a valuable community asset
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4. 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 as needed 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
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5. What is assisted living and how is it different from a nursing home?
The key difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home is that an assisted living community does not provide complex nursing care. Some assisted living communities are set-up to meet the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia residents while others are not.
An assisted living community provides help to residents with their activities of daily living or ADLs. (See question #3 above regarding services offered in assisted living residences.) In addition, an assisted living community provides transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as arranges social activities and outings. |
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6. How do I know if it's time for me to look at assisted living?
The answer to this question is as unique as each individual person and their needs. Typically, the move to assisted living is based on a person's need for some help with activities of daily living. Since there are a variety of assisted living communities and service offerings, it can also be an option for family members that are out of the area who want their loved one to have someone around to help them if need be and in a safe environment. |
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7. Is assisted living tax deductible?
While we cannot give tax advice, we understand that there may be some tax benefit available to residents living at The Brookside and/or family members of residents. Please consult with your attorney or tax accountant on the information taken from Internal Revenue Service Publication 502 (2000), "Medical and Dental Expenses" (www.irs.gov and key "502" into the bottom search box). |
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8. What should I look for during a tour?
"Expect staff members to know the residents by their names."
– When Aging Parents Can't Live Alone
Warnings include an arts-and-crafts room that seems unused and few people in the common areas and activities. (This may signal a half-full and financially unstable community.) Look for genuinely warm relationships between staff and residents. Request a copy of the contract and house rules; consider reluctance to part with such crucial information "a red flag."
– Consumer Reports Complete Guide to Health Service for Seniors
Ask to see rooms that are not part of the regular tour. "For example, most communities will happily show off their dining area but not volunteer to let you go backstage to the kitchen. Many have model rooms or apartments . . . ask if you can see one that's currently occupied."
– The Unofficial Guide to Eldercare
Consider your needs six months from now. "For example, [you] now walk with a cane but may need a wheelchair next year (even if only for part of the day). Are there access ramps? Ask about kitchen modifications, an emergency pull cord, accessible shelving units. Who pays if these modifications are needed?"
– How to Care for Your Parents
Consider the mix of residents. Are they at a comparable level of functioning? Are they active and interesting? Do they share your interests? If a community has shared rooms, how are roommates matched, and what happens if you don't like your roommate?
– How to Care for Aging Parents
For residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, the nature of the relationship between staff and residents is particularly critical. Most personnel will tell you they are experienced, but "you want staff trained to provide special attention to residents . . . not merely to shuttle them from one place or activity to another."
– Beat the Nursing Home Trap |
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9. I am very particular about what I eat. How can I be sure that a community will provide consistently good food?
Try it out. Some communities don't offer special diets. Learn if credit is given for meals not eaten or if tray service [meal delivery to your room] is provided. Some communities charge extra for that.
– Consumer Reports Complete Guide to Health Service for Seniors
Eat several meals there and observe whether the residents seem interested in their food. Also learn the total meal policy and what happens if you regularly skip meals. Will you be asked to prove that you're getting enough nutrition?
– Beat the Nursing Home Trap |
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10. I don't like being told how to live, but I need some help. To what extent can I retain my autonomy in an assisted living environment?
Residents in assisted living communities "usually maintain a relatively high degree of independence and privacy. They generally have their own phones, many have at least minimal private cooking facilities, and are usually free to entertain guests and visitors just as they would in a private apartment situation."
– The Unofficial Guide to Eldercare |
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