My mother and I toured several assisted living centers. There were different levels of care in them. Many were more like resorts than apartments. Some were quite humble. There are also assisted living homes where a residential type home is set up to care for several elders. The options are endless, and quality can differ dramatically.
Q. Are assisted living centers regulated like nursing homes?
A. No. There isn’t, now, a government standard like there is for nursing homes. While you need to be careful about selecting nursing homes even with all of the regulations, assisted living, as it is these days, kind of slid in sideways. They aren’t nursing homes, therefore they aren’t regulated as such. Yet, there aren’t many regulations aimed at how they should function. Therefore, you need to be extra careful about what you are getting. Check references. Look around. Do all of the investigating you would if you were choosing a nursing home – only more.
Q. I’ve heard of contract problems. Do you have to sign a lease?
A. This is one area where, unless the contract or lease is very simple and not long-term, you may want to be specific enough to even have the papers you sign checked by an elder attorney or estate attorney. I, personally, haven’t run into anyone who has had trouble with leases and contracts – at least any more problems than leasing an apartment. But nationally, I know there have been problems.
I wrote about a Web site and book in a previous article on assisted living here on Our Alzheimer’s. You can find some answers by checking out this site. You’ll also find you have more questions than you thought. However, the questions above are the ones I'm most frequently asked. Take this list along and begin your search.
You may find you have a “Henry” on your hands, who, with a lot of prodding, may find a new lease on life once he has gotten into a safe, social atmosphere. Do your homework, but don’t write it off because of expense. It may be a better bargain (if bargain is the right word) than an elder staying at home with in-home care.
For more information about Carol go to www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com.
