Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living:

• Assisted Living
• Philosophy of Assisted Living
• Residents in Assisted Living
• Regulation of Assisted Living
• Services in Assisted Living
• Costs of Assisted Living
• Paying for Assisted Living
• Solving Problems in Assisted Living

Locations of Assisted Living Facilities in Pierce County:

• Buckley
• Dupont
• Eatonville
• Gig Harbor
• Milton
• Orting
• Puyallup
• Sumner
• Tacoma
• University Place

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living

Assisted Living
Assisted living facilites (and adult family homes) are technically called ''boarding homes.'' An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs - both scheduled and unscheduled - of those who need help with activities of daily living.

Philosophy of Assisted Living
Members of the Assisted Living Federation of America members subscribe to a 10-point philosophy of care:

• Offering cost-effective quality care that is personalized for individual needs
• Fostering independence for each resident
• Treating each resident with dignity and respect
• Promoting the individuality of each resident
• Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle
• Protecting each resident's right to privacy
• Nurturing the spirit of each resident
• Involving family and friends, as appropriate, in care planning and implementation
• Providing a safe, residential environment
• Making the assisted living residence a valuable community asset

Residents in Assisted Living
Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 20,000 assisted living residences. Assisted living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. Some residents may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorders. Residents may also need help with incontinence or mobility.
In 2009, there were 18,085 residents living in certified nursing facilities in Washington State. For 60% the primary payer was Medicaid; 17% Medicare; and 23% paid through their own resources. There were 234 certified nursing facilities statewide with 21,773 beds in 2009.

Regulation of Assisted Living
Licensing and other assisted living regulations vary from state to state contributing to the wide range of senior housing models considered assisted living. Some providers and their staff have special training as a result of either state requirements or company policy. Some states require special staff certification and training. Residences must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations.

Services in Assisted Living
Services provided in assisted living residences usually include:

• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• 24-hour security and staff availability
• Emergency call systems for each resident's unit
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Medication management
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities

Costs of Assisted Living
Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of services needed by the residents. The monthly rate per resident is typically about $2,600 - generally less than the cost of home health services and nursing home care. A basic assisted living fee may cover all services or there may be a flat charge with ''a la carte'' charges for services. Most assisted living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few residences require long-term arrangements.

Paying for Assisted Living
Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual's health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. Medicare and Medicaid help for assisted living residences has many qualifications and restrictions.

Solving Problems in Assisted Living
Consumers sometimes have issues with administration and staff of Assisted Living facilities regarding their care or the care given to their loved one. Resolving these issues is important. Each facility has a Long Term Care Ombudsman whose job is to speak for the rights of residents and help resolve these complaints. Ask the facility for the contact information for their Long Term Care Ombudsman or contact the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman at (253) 798-3789 or LTCOmbudsman@co.pierce.wa.us.

Call the AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER for more information.
(253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332