Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living offers a wide range of services with a wide range of monthly fees. If you need assistance getting through the day, but don't require the intensive supervision and medical services of a nursing home, assisted living may be for you or your loved one. Take the time and investigate state agencies which may assist with payment for assisted living facilities.

Services, staffing, and philosophy of this type of housing vary enormously. It is very important that you determine exactly what is offered in each home. Look for a place that encourages residents to be active. People who have been loners all their lives are unlikely to adapt well to congregate living, and a mentally alert person doesn't belong in a small home with cognitively impaired people. Make sure the person is suited to assisted living.

If you disagree with certain provisions in the admission contract, see if you can modify or eliminate them. Contracts should allow for a minimum of 30 days notice if the facility desires to end the agreement. You should know who makes the decision regarding transfers when a resident's health declines. Remember, assisted living facilities are not immune from the same problems facing nursing homes, particularly the difficulty of keeping a stable staff.