FAQ's
Office: (480) 788-8680
Introduction
Senior Living Advisory Group with offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale can help with many of the frequently asked questions about assisted living, Alzheimer’s memory care, independent living, nursing homes, and residential care options in the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix area and across the Valley.
According to the Administration on Aging, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services, about one in every eight Americans today are aged 65 years or older. It is estimated that by 2030, roughly 72.1 million people will comprise the 65+ sector. The continuing and projected growth in this segment of the population has resulted in the increase of facilities and communities catering to the specific needs of seniors.
Five main types of senior living arrangements exist today as defined by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. These include supported and conventional housing, shared housing, and assisted and unassisted senior housing communities. The suitability of each varies according to individual needs and preferences; however, assisted and unassisted senior living facilities are among the most popular choices.
What is an assisted living facility or community?
An assisted living facility is in essence a cross between an unassisted or independent living community and a nursing home. It offers residents an opportunity to enjoy an independent lifestyle with customized assistance provided on-site. Non-intensive medical care is often made available; however, the primary service offered to residents of these facilities is help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Examples of ADLs include assistance with feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and medication management.
How does an assisted living facility differ from a senior housing community?
While an assisted living facility offers non-intensive medical care for residents, in-home nursing care is not a strict requirement in a senior housing community. Though both are often age-restricted, the latter was designed around the needs of active seniors who need minimal or no help with daily tasks. Senior housing communities, also known as retirement or independent living communities, allow residents a greater degree of independence as well as easy access to social activities in the company of their peers.
How does an assisted living facility differ from a nursing home?
A nursing home provides a level of medical care beyond that offered in an assisted living facility. It offers complex medical services and employs a full-time nursing staff. It is important to note that assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home, as residents of the latter have greater health care requirements and are usually unable to care for themselves.
Who is best suited for an assisted living community?
Assisted living is recommended for people who require long-term care less extensive than that provided in a nursing home or hospital as well as regular assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). For residents of these facilities, tasks such as meal preparation, observation of basic hygiene, dressing, and medication management are either difficult or impossible to do independently. These can include people with mobility limitations, memory problems, and other limiting conditions associated with aging.
What amenities are provided in an assisted living community?
Personal care assistance – which includes help with bathing, dressing, eating, and related activities – is standard in all assisted living facilities. Other amenities provided in an assisted living community include laundry and housekeeping, non-intensive medical care, transportation, 24/7 security, social and recreational activities, and staff- or resident-organized wellness programs.
What supplemental services can I expect in an assisted living community?
Because care requirements vary for each resident, most assisted living facilities create an individualized service plan for every senior they consider for admission. These plans are subject to modification as residents’ needs change over time. Examples of supplemental services include special supervision for residents with Alzheimer’s, medication management, and a range of quality-of-life services.
What options for living accommodations are available in a typical assisted living community?
Assisted living communities provide different types of living accommodations, with most having multiple options to suit individual preferences. Many offer private or semi-private units in the form of single-room studios or full apartments. Some facilities provide converted homes for residents; others offer accommodations in multiple floor apartment complexes.
How do I know which senior living arrangement is right for me?
Because decisions of this nature are life-changing not only for the would-be resident but also for his or her loved ones, it requires an investment of time, research, and legwork. Several factors will come into play in making a decision – the senior’s abilities and needs, location, cost, services offered, living conditions, and more. Understanding a facility’s philosophy of care and internal regulations is also important. Some tasks vital to the decision-making process include comprehensive interviews with facility representatives, personal tours of the residences, gathering of feedback from residents and/or their family members, and more.
How can Senior Living Advisory Group help?
Our Senior Living Advisors help families and Seniors understand their senior living options and find high-quality, affordable long-term care. We start with an assessment of each client’s needs, determine what senior resources may be required, then find the best pre-screened senior care options that match their requirements, schedule tours of the shortlisted facilities, and do follow-ups to ensure that all needs and expectations are met after the transition. We offer a full complimentary referral services to families and seniors.
How much should I expect to pay in an assisted living community?
A study published by the MetLife Mature Market Institute in conjunction with LifePlans, Inc. reported that the average costs associated with assisted living in the US stood at nearly $3,500 per month. Rates vary widely according to location, services offered, and the size of the units. These costs may be offset by private long-term care insurance policies, Veteran benefits, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), grant programs, and subsidies from certain state and local governments.
Assisted living communities and homes each set their own rates for care in their facilities. These rates are typically composed of two components: monthly rent + care. Many larger communities also require an entry fee or down payment. The total rate and cost can vary broadly and may be negotiable particularly on the level of the care needed. The rates and total costs should be well understood and clearly explained before the family member signs a residential agreement with the facility.
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(480) 788-8680