 | William M. (Bill) Ward
is CEO of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc. Mr. Ward joined Presbyterian Manors in 1996 after serving as chairman of the board. Presbyterian Manors, a not-for-profit organization with a 54-year history in Kansas, operates 17 communities in Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Ward is a member of several organizations serving health care and retirement services, including the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Mr. Ward may be contacted at Presbyterian Manors' home office: (316) 685-1100 or (800) 336-8511. |
Senior Living
2003-12-01 13:02:00
Expectations of assisted living
: How much care can one receive in an assisted living residence? When does the amount of care one requires necessitate moving to a nursing home?
ANSWER: Assisted living is for people who need some degree of assistance whether on an occasional or daily basis. Several levels of care are available based on an initial and subsequent assessments of the resident's health and needs to determine the appropriate level of assistance. This assessment is called a Level of Care Assessment. It covers physical and mental abilities with the total score determining what level of assisted living is needed. In addition, the provider will request a physician's report to confirm a prospective resident's health status.The number of levels of assisted living care available depends on the procedure in place at a particular assisted living residence. Some assisted living providers may have only one level of care, while others may have four or five, with the highest level providing almost as much care as the base level in a health care center. The basic level in assisted living usually include housekeeping and laundry services, medication assistance, one to three meals daily, and 24-hour availability of licensed health care staff. The level of care increases, as more assistance is needed, with more daily hands-on assistance increasing correspondingly. At its highest levels, assisted living can include daily help with dressing, walking, bathing and other activities. It also can include specialized nursing or other health services. A Level of Care Assessments is conducted on an ongoing basis in assisted living at periodic intervals or when a noticeable change in condition occurs. When the assessment score rises to a point where a move to health services is needed, the residence should contact the resident and/or the resident's family to come in and discuss with the professional staff. Ideally, should the level of care increase to the point where nursing care is needed in a health care environment, it will be available in a continuing care retirement community at the same location or on the same campus where the assisted living resident currently resides. It is important to be aware that Medicare does not cover assisted living. While health care may be covered, it is covered only for a limited number of days during a year. Some long-term care insurance plans include assisted living coverage as an option. For the most part, assisted living is currently a private pay arrangement. Medicare may cover nursing services provided if the resident qualifies. You will need to inquire about this with respect to your particular situation with any assisted living residence(s) you are considering. There are variances in the type of assisted living residences available and the type and degree of care they can or will provide. It is important to inquire in this regard when considering and comparing assisted living residences.
