What is Assisted Living?

Look below the surface and compare the details. This article looks “under the hood” of assisted living. What it is and what it isn't.

Here are the 5 basics that professional referral agents know. You should know them too.

1. Assisted Living is a social model – not medical

You often hear assisted living described as the “alternative to a nursing home.” This is only somewhat true. Assisted livings are not medical facilities.

Assisted living is more like independent retirement. Both offer a “hotel-style” of living. But, assisted living facilities hire in-house staff to provide hands-on help with daily living.

Think of assisted living as a bridge. They span the gap between independent living and nursing homes where complex medical care is provided.

Older adults choose assisted living when they want independence but have help available if needed. These residents can direct their own care, value autonomy, and like having choices.

2. Each facility is licensed by the State

Assisted living facilities are licensed by the State Department of Human Services. They’re inspected every two years for compliance with Rules and Regulations.

Inspection reports are public information. Every community must keep their report in a binder, on-site, and easily accessible.

If you’re a consumer, don’t be shy. Ask to see it.

In between inspections, any complaints of abuse or neglect are inspected within 24 hours. You can check Complaint Records online.

3. Floor to ceiling care

Imagine a building. There’s the floor and the ceiling. Some buildings have low ceilings and some have tall ceilings.

In assisted living, the State sets the minimum requirements of care. That’s the floor or foundation. But each facility sets its own ceiling of care.

State-mandated basic services include:

• 3 meals + snacks per day
• Private apartments with full ADA accessible bathrooms and basic kitchenette
• Care assistance with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, transfers, mobility, toileting, transportation arrangements, medication management, etc.
• 24-hour awake staff
• A social and activities program that meets life engagement needs of all residents
  
  

4. Staffing ratios are not mandated by the State

The State sets minimum requirements for care, but it doesn’t mandate staffing ratios (as of this writing). Each assisted living community is expected to staff according to the total acuity of care in the building.

Oregon does not require caregivers be licensed CNAs.  Front line caregivers or personal attendants must pass criminal background checks. And facilities must provide on-the-job training and regular ongoing education related to aging.

Please note:  residents share 1 caregiver with 13-20 other residents. The average staff to resident ratio is 1:15 (hopefully).

Every assisted living community has its own “culture” or personality. The mix of residents, their backgrounds and interests, the current administrator, and team determine the culture.

Before moving your parent to an assisted living, visit several times. Meet the staff, residents, and resident families. Attend events and social gatherings.

Consumer-Driven Services
Assisted living services continue to evolve. Many communities strive to meet today’s consumer expectations of choice, amenities, and aesthetics. Flexible dining and expanded menus are examples.

But don’t be fooled. Lovely surroundings, fancy amenities, and extra services don’t always equate to five-star care.

Find the right assisted living, work with a local referral agent

Professional referral agents have experience and insider knowledge. They network and build relationships.  Referral agents know a community’s history, staff turnover, compliance, and culture.  Agents preview and pre-qualify  communities. They’ve done the research, so you can relax.