Assisted Living Facility FAQ

By Patti L. Denney

What are the retirement housing options available for my parents?

There are several housing options available. Some facilities are solely independent living communities, others are solely assisted living communities. Still others offer a continuum of care by offering independent and assisted living as well as nursing home care. Some also have special units for Alzheimer’s or other dementia care. For a listing of senior housing alternatives in the area contact Franklin County Senior Options (614) 462-6200 and ask for a copy of the Senior Citizen Housing List or view it online at www.officeonaging.org. Click on handbooks.

What is an assisted living facility?

It is a facility that combines housing and personalized supportive services tailored to individual needs. Supportive services include meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and personal care, such as assistance with bathing, dressing and walking. Some facilities offer assistance with medication management from actually administering medications to merely reminding the resident to take his or her medications. Licensed facilities have staff on duty 24 hours a day. Most facilities have 24-hour security, an emergency call system in the apartment, and social and leisure program activities.

What other amenities might I find at an assisted living facility?

That’s a very broad question with a myriad of possibilities. You may find a swimming pool, woodworking shop, beauty/barber shop, exercise/fitness room, snack bar, garden plots, accommodations for short term visitors, a store, walking paths, bank, arts and crafts room, library, billiards room, card room, computer room and a wide variety of activities, such as classes, lectures, shopping trips and cultural outings. Some even allow pets. Not all of these amenities will be available at every facility. You and your parent should determine what is most important to your parent and select a facility that fits most of your parent’s needs, both current and possibly in the future.

Does Ohio law have any standards for assisted living facilities?

Yes. Assisted living facilities are classified as “residential care facilities” under the Ohio Revised Code. That law states that such a facility provides accommodations for seventeen or more unrelated individuals and supervision and personal care services for three or more of those individuals who are dependent on the services of others by reason of age or physical or mental impairment. The Ohio Department of Health is charged with licensing and inspecting the facilities every 15 months. The state fire marshal is also required to inspect every 15 months.

Where can I obtain specific information about the “safety record” of a specific facility?

The law requires each facility to have the most recent inspection report available in the facility for review by prospective patients and residents, their guardians, or other persons assisting in their placement. In addition, you may contact the Ohio Department of Health – Public Information Office and request, in writing, a copy of the most recent survey on a particular facility. This will show the safety status of the facility within the last three years.

How much will it cost?

The cost of assisted living depends on the size of the living area a person chooses and the level of care the individual needs. Some estimates range from $60.00 to $132.00 per day. Most assisted living facilities bill on a monthly basis. Some communities have a continuing care contract which remains in effect for at least a year and usually for the rest of the resident’s lifetime. Some continuing care contracts require an entrance fee, sometimes called an endowment, plus monthly fees. The resident will sign a contract, or agreement, that will specify which services and amenities are offered (e.g., 1, 2 or 3 meals a day, weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping, etc.) The resident agreement is an important document stating costs, policies and procedures in the event of hospitalization, increasing care needs and costs, and refund of any part of the entry fee or endowment. It is important to obtain all documents your parent will be required to sign well before signing them. You may wish to have an attorney review them prior to signing.

Who pays for assisted living?

At the present time, (until July 2006), all assisted living is paid for privately, either by the individuals themselves, or with the assistance of families, or, in some cases, long term care insurance policies. (Note, not all long term care policies cover assisted living.)

How do I go about selecting an assisted living facility for my parent?

First, involve your parent to the extent possible. Obtain brochures from any facility in which you might be interested and then make arrangements for you and your parent to visit some selected ones. (You might want to schedule a visit during mealtime and have a meal there as well as a tour.) Then, make an appointment to visit and talk with the appropriate staff concerning specific apartment floor plans, support services and costs. While there, ask to see the most recent survey results. Ask if they are licensed, if there are special requirements for residency (e.g., health, finances, etc.), what’s included in the fee, what happens if your parent doesn’t like it after he or she has moved in, are there licensed health care professionals on staff 24 hours, can your parent have his or her own car there and is there also transportation provided, and is there a waiting list. If both your parents are planning to move to the facility, ask what happens if one of them becomes ill and in need of nursing home care.

What documents do I need to be sure my parent has in place before moving into an assisted living facility?

The facility will probably ask if your parent has a Living Will, or an advanced directive. It would be a good idea for him or her to have it. Besides the Living Will Declaration he or she should have a Health Care Power of Attorney and perhaps a Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters. Of course, a Will would be a good document for your parent to have. An attorney can help you with all these documents.