What to Consider When Choosing Assisted Living

As the Baby Boomers reach retirement age and begin looking to access long-term care options, more and more attention is being drawn to Assisted Living and Adult Care Facilities (ACFs). It’s not surprising that these options have become so popular since they offer a “home-like” setting and can be less expensive than many alternatives.

Assisted Living and ACFs are designed to serve individuals who cannot or don't want to remain at home, but don't need continuous nursing care. These facilities provide assistance while emphasizing the resident's autonomy and independence. In addition to providing long-term residential services, many assisted living facilities allow short-term stays to give family caregivers a break.

One in five New York State residents will be 65 or older within the next 30 years, while the 85-plus age group will grow by almost 50 percent. Given the growing need and desire for this type of living situation, we at LeadingAge New York want to provide helpful tips on what consumers should consider when exploring these options.

Whether in an ACF, Assisted Living Residence (ALR) or Assisted Living Program Program (ALP), a consumer can expect to receive assistance with activities of daily living, assistance with medications, monitoring, supervision, case management, social activities and housekeeping.  The different categories of licensure provide different opportunities to meet specialized needs, and the ALP accepts Medicaid payment.

The myriad of service offerings can be confusing and overwhelming. The key is matching the consumer’s needs with the right service provider. Consideration of the consumer’s physical and mental status, as well as their monetary resources, will be key factors in determining the right facility.

Not-for-profit providers of long-term care are known to provide higher staffing levels and better quality overall. All families that are considering assisted living are encouraged to investigate who owns the organization and to seek out not-for-profit providers. When deciding on a particular assisted living or ACF for services, consumers should consider the following areas:

1. Assess the person’s physical, financial, mental and lifestyle needs when determining if assisted living or an adult care facility is appropriate. If needed, professional help is available to assist with this process. Ask your health care provider for information.
2. What is the criteria for admission to the facility you are considering? How is the need for services determined?
3. What services are included in the basic plan and what services are available for an additional fee?
4. What is the dining environment like?
5. Are religious/spiritual programs are offered?
6. Does the administrator seem to know the residents and interact with them?
7. Are the staff members friendly and professional?
8. There are several different types of assisted living. If you have specialized needs, ask how the facility will make sure your needs are addressed.
9. Can this facility meet your anticipated future needs?  If you have a degenerative disease, for example, will you be able to stay or move on to another setting?
10. What happens if you deplete your resources?  Will you have to move to another facility?
11. If you have long-term care insurance, Medicaid, SSI, Veteran’s benefits, will they be accepted?
12. What sort of relationships does the facility have with nursing homes, hospitals, home care, should the individual require more or different care?
13. Under what circumstances could a resident have to leave the facility?

The choices can be dizzying. Asking these questions can help clarify the issues and help consumers make the best possible decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

James W. Clyne Jr. is President/CEO of LeadingAge New York, which represents non-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers. LeadingAge New York's more than 600 members employ 150,000 professionals serving more than 500,000 New Yorkers annually. www.leadingageny.org.