 | Lynn Spragg is a Licensed Practical Nurse with 13 years long term care experience, she has been the Operator/Director of Vintage Place Assisted Living for 4 years. |
Senior Living
2011-01-01 11:24:00
How does time away from the facility work?
Answer: Thank you so much for your question. This comes up very frequently in an assisted living situation. Sometimes it is because, like in your case, you would like to have some time with your family member. This same situation might also arise if the resident becomes ill and requires an extended stay in the hospital.
Most generally, there are three options that apply to this situation.
•The monthly cost is prorated
•The facility does not charge for
that period
•The facility charges a room on hold charge (which generally applies to residents away for an extended time, such as for a hospital stay)
If, in the case of a resident that is going to visit family, is not excessive, the facility may not charge. However, if it were to become too regular, it would begin to impact the facility’s ability to operate effectively.
Most assisted living agreements will have a provision for residents that become ill and require an extended stay in a hospital. Understanding that this is a consideration, especially for elderly adults, some facilities will charge a reduced “room on hold charge” which holds the room open for that resident and allows the facility to continue to run optimally.
Each facility is likely to have a different protocol for these situations which is generally fond in the original agreement. However, there are many facilities that will consider adapting that agreement on a case by case basis.
