WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING?
WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING?
Assisted living facilities, such as Elmcroft, are for people needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Assisted living exists to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. Residents in assisted living centers are not able to live by themselves but do not require constant care either. Assisted living facilities offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications. Elmcroft also has nursing care; however, the care offered is not as intensive or available to residents as the care offered at a nursing home. Assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home, but an intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors.
Elmcroft creates a service plan for each individual resident upon admission. The service plan details the personalized services required by the resident and guaranteed by the facility. The plan is updated regularly to assure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his or her condition changes.
Elmcroft’s physical environment is similar to an upscale hotel with concierge services, only our concierge staff are nurses and caregivers! Residents not only have social activities, simple exercise time and outings, but a spa with whirlpool, a library of books and videos, and even a computer for web surfing and email opportunities!
How Does an Assisted Living Facility Differ from a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are designed to care for very frail people that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements. Assisted living facilities are designed to assist elderly persons who are able to care for themselves except for a few activities. Assisted living facilities are often deemed necessary when the person in question needs help preparing meals, bathing, dressing, performing household chores, is sometimes confused, or is experiencing memory problems.
What is the Cost of Residing in an Assisted Living facility?
Assisted living facilities vary widely in cost depending on room size, services offered, and several other factors. Unlike nursing homes, Medicare does not pay for assisted living services, but with a Physician’s orders, they will pay for Home Health services within assisted living facilities. Also, Veteran’s Benefits are frequently available for assisted living residents. This being said, most facilities are considered private pay, although assisted living is frequently covered by long-term insurance plans.
The basic cost covers room and board (meals), utilities, laundry, housekeeping and a basic level of care. The monthly fee increases with increased levels of care required. Services not covered in the monthly fee are cable TV ($35), telephone, medical visits, prescriptions, hairdresser fees, and miscellaneous personal items.