Is assisted living right for you or your parent? Yes…or maybe No.
Yes! Because today’s assisted living isn’t like the dreaded “old-folks home” of yesteryear.
And No! Because not every assisted living matches you, your needs, or preferences. They all seem to offer the same things.
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
Each facility determines how much care they’re able or willing to provide.
Examples:
Example 1 - Community “A” will assist or guide residents with transfers from bed to walker, if no lifting is needed. Community “B” will assist with transfers when 2 caregivers are needed, lifting is required, or a mechanical device is necessary.
Example 2 - Community “A” will pass oral medications on a regular schedule. They’ll also provide regular diabetic glucose testing and give regular injections. But, they’ll require residents use pre-measured insulin pens. Community “B” will provide full sliding scale diabetic injection care.
Also, a community’s “ceiling” can fluctuate. Fluctuations are based on overall acuity of care at any given time.
For instance, a community that typically provides sliding scale diabetic care, may decline any new diabetic applicants. The nurse or administrator may decide there’re too many current residents needing a lot of care. They want to ensure their ability to meet the needs of residents.
Please note: the State restricts many medical care tasks in assisted living. These care tasks require licensed nursing. Residents in assisted living must be medically stable with predictable care.
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).
5. Culture
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.
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.Each facility determines how much care they’re able or willing to provide.
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.