Assisted living
Still, the setting is similar to a retirement home, in the sense that facilities provide a group living environment and typically cater to an older adult population.
[1] A consumer-driven industry, assisted living offers a wide range of options, levels of care, and diversity of services (Lockhart, 2009) and is subject to state rather than federal regulatory oversight.
Information in this edit is from an article published in 2012 that reviewed the industry and reports results of a research study of assisted living facilities.
[citation needed] As widely varied as the state licensing and definitions are, so are the types of physical layouts of buildings in which assisted living services are provided.
Household chores are performed: sheets are changed, laundry is done, and food is cooked and served as part of the base rent and included services.
Where provided, private apartments generally are self-contained; i.e., they have their own bedroom and bathroom and may have a separate living area or small kitchen.
Alternatively, individual living spaces may resemble a dormitory or hotel room with a private or semi-private sleeping area and a shared bathroom.
Residents who have periods of temporary incapacity due to illness, injury, or recovery from surgery often choose assisted living as a supportive option to help them recover quickly so they can return home.
In the case of these short-term respite stays, assisted living residences act as the bridge between hospital and home.
Short-term respite stays in assisted living are also an option for families when the primary caregiver goes out of town or cannot provide the needed care.
The shift to an acute care facility frequently results in a disturbance to the typical social routines of older individuals.
[13] Maintaining connections within social networks is crucial for individuals residing in assisted living facilities, and it plays a vital role in reinforcing their sense of identity.
A study found a variety of scheduled group recreational activities such as arts and crafts, culture clubs, yoga, music therapy, prayer, and spiritual reminiscence, were offered.
Additionally, the facilities in this investigation were designed with open-plan layouts, outdoor gardens, and easily accessible areas for gatherings, potentially fostering engagement and interactions among residents.
[13] Many ALFs also serve the needs of people with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and others with mental disabilities, as long as they do not present an imminent danger to themselves or others.
[citation needed] Many ALFs will work to accommodate a person with severe forms of Alzheimer's by having separate private units.
These specialized care areas are part of the main building but are secured so residents with Alzheimer's cannot leave and possibly do harm to themselves.
Assisted living facilities, initially established to support older Americans in their later years, have become increasingly focused on maximizing financial gains at the expense of their residents' well-being.
[14] Assisted Living Facilities have the option to offer Medicare- and Medicaid-covered services, such as home health or personal care, to their residents.
ALFs can enter into contracts with Medicare or Medicaid providers to deliver covered home health, personal care, and other specified LTSS within their facilities for participating residents.
[15] With an estimated 850,000 older Americans residing in assisted living facilities, the higher rents and the increasingly prevalent ancillary fees pose a significant housing and healthcare challenge for an elderly demographic that often struggles to address their needs.
[14] Instances of mistreatment, encompassing physical, sexual, verbal, psychological, emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, may manifest within an Assisted Living facility.
[16] A Miami Herald article covering the newspaper's 2011 investigation into assisted living facilities in Florida was nominated as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Long-term care ombudsmen, whether volunteering or employed independently, function outside the scope of Assisted Living Facilities.
Beyond addressing complaints, they empower residents by providing information on their rights and options, considering the impact on their quality of life.
Mandated by the Older Americans Act, ombudsman services are directed by residents, confidential, and offered free of charge.
[20] On July 30, 2013 Frontline ran an hour-long program[21] with help from ProPublica[22] detailing some tragedies that happened in assisted living.
A related article by ProPublica (Thomson and Jones, July 29, 2013) states that a facility operated by Emeritus Senior Living "...had been found wanting in almost every important regard.
[25] Chapter 2800 of the 55 Pennsylvania Code defines assisted living as "a significant long-term care alternative to allow individuals to age in place," where residents "will receive the assistance they need to age in place and develop and maintain maximum independence, exercise decision-making and personal choice.
"[26] Likewise, Chapter 2600 of the 55 Pa. Code defines personal care as "A premise in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours, for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator, who do not require the services in or of a licensed long-term care facility, but who do require assistance or supervision in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.
