How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility

SAVVY SENIOR

| May 12, 2023

Dear Savvy Senior,

What’s the best way to go about choosing an assisted living facility for my 86-year-old father? Since mom died last year, his health has declined to the point that he can’t live at home anymore but isn’t ready for a nursing home either.

~Searching Susan

Dear Susan,

If your dad needs help with things like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, managing his medications or just getting around, an assisted living facility is definitely a good option to consider.

Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with daily living.

There are nearly 29,000 assisted living communities (also called board and care, supportive-care or residential-care facilities) in the U.S. today, some of which are part of a retirement community or nursing home. Most facilities have anywhere between 10 and 100 suites, varying in size from a single room to a full apartment. And some even offer special memory care units for residents with dementia.

To help you choose a good assisted living facility for your dad, here are some steps to follow.

  • Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top assisted living communities in your area including your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who’ve had a loved one in assisted living; or you can do an online search at Caring.com. (Editor’s note: In the Puget Sound area, you can also try Puget Sound Resources – Retirement Connection, Assisted Living lists start on page 128 of the current edition.)
  • Do some research: To research the communities on your list, put a call into your long-term care ombudsman. This is a government official who investigates long-term care facility complaints and advocates for residents and their families. This person can help you find the latest health inspection reports on specific assisted living facilities and can tell you which ones have had complaints or other problems in the past. To find your local ombudsman visit LTCombudsman.org. (Editor’s note: in Washington, the state maintains a list of assisted living communities along with comments about inspections. Here is a link: ALF Facility Search.)
  • Call the facilities: Once you’ve identified a few good assisted living facilities, call them to see if they have any vacancies, what they charge and if they provide the types of services your father needs.
  • Tour your top choices: During your visit, notice the cleanliness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also be sure to taste the food, and talk to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s also a good idea to visit several times at different times of the day and different days of the week to get a broader perspective.

On your facility visit, get a copy of the admissions contract and the residence rules that outline the fees (and any extra charges), services and residents’ rights, and explanations for when a resident might be asked to leave because their condition has worsened, and they require more care than the facility can provide.

Also, find out their staff turnover rate, COVID infection-control procedures and if and when medical professionals are on site. To help you rate your visit, Caring.com offers a checklist of questions that you can download and print at http://www.Caring.com/static/checklist-AL-tour.pdf….

  • How to pay: Monthly costs for assisted living ranges anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 or more, depending on where you live, the facility you choose, and the services provided. Since Medicare does not cover assisted living, most residents pay out-of-pocket from their own personal funds, and some have long-term care insurance policies.

If your dad has limited financial resources and can’t afford this, most states now have Medicaid waiver programs that help pay for assisted living. Or, if he’s a veteran, he may be able to get funds through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. To find out about these programs, ask the assisted living facility director, or contact his local Medicaid office (see Medicaid.gov) or the regional VA benefit office (800–827–1000).

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Share this story!
How to Find a Cheaper Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
"My Part D premium is increasing again in 2025, so I would like to use the fall open enrollment to find and sign up for...
Long-Term Care Benefits for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
The Veterans Administration does indeed have an underutilized benefit that can help wartime veterans and their surviving spouses...

Related

Tips for Growing Beautiful Dahlias
Growing beautiful dahlias is easier than you think...
Unlock the Power of Apples: A Superfood for Health and Wellness This Fall and Winter
Fresh apples are packed with health-boosting vitamins, antioxidants and fiber...
NW Best Place to Retire Annual ‘Round-Up’
Northwest Prime Time’s annual round-up of Best Places to Retire in Washington State is upon us. Reporting from the usual suspects— Forbes, MoneyWise, Kiplinger, Where...
Selecting the Right Potting Mix for Your Plantings
There are some things you can do to increase your success and reduce ongoing maintenance...
Sun worship: summer picnics
Somehow real food tastes better sitting in the warm grass by a lake or on a driftwood log....
Oh, baby! Bok choy!
Bok choy is perfect for Pacific Northwest gardens. It needs only three to five hours of sun a day to produce leaves high in vitamin...

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

Betty Jenkins & StoryCorps
Dealing with Social Security Issues: A Personal Story
Still Time for Sunflowers
Always Room for Tomatoes
Differences Between Annual Exam and ‘Welcome to Medicare’ Exam

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

Betty Jenkins & StoryCorps
Dealing with Social Security Issues: A Personal Story
Still Time for Sunflowers
Always Room for Tomatoes
Differences Between Annual Exam and ‘Welcome to Medicare’ Exam