ASSISTED LIVING

Assisted living facilities are sometimes referred to as board and care, residential care, community-based retirement care, personal care, or adult foster care facilities. They offer residents comprehensive help with activities of daily living, but also feature an essentially independent living arrangement. Elders generally will occupy their own unit or apartment within the facility from which they can come and go as necessary. They will also have access to personal care workers as necessary to assist with their care needs. Skilled nursing services are not available on-site, by and large, but basic health services will be offered. Recreational and social activities are also made available to residents.

Costs for assisted living facilities reflect local market prices, and are adjusted up or down depending on the nature of services the facility agrees to provide. There is no insurance coverage or financial assistance available for assisted living facilities. Payment is usually paid out of pocket using private funds. Only licensing of such facilities occurs at the state level.