Fast Fact Information
What is an assisted living residence?
Assisted living residences are a special combination of housing
and personalized support services designed to meet the needs-both
scheduled and unscheduled-of those who require help with activities
of daily living (ADL's). Activities of daily living include tasks
related to bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and other similar
personal care needs.
Assisted living is a residential option that promotes
self-direction and participation in decisions regarding care and
services. As a model of supportive housing, assisted living emphasizes
independence, individuality, privacy, dignity, and choice. The
assisted living package of services can be tailored to meet consumer
needs and preferences. Currently, there are 179 certified assisted
living residences open in Massachusetts, with approximately 10
more in various stages of development.
Who lives in assisted living?
Most assisted living residents are in their mid-80's and need
assistance with basic activities such as bathing and dressing,
meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping and transportation. Often,
residents move to assisted living when they can no longer safely
live alone. Assisted living residences serve the fastest growing
segment of our population—people aged 85 years and older.
By the year 2025, it is projected that 18% of the Massachusetts
population will be over 65 years of age and those 85 and older
will more than double.
How is assisted living different from congregate
senior housing and nursing facilities?
Assisted living fits in the continuum between shared living arrangements
such as congregate housing and the more intensive medical and
skilled nursing services provided by nursing facilities. One of
assisted living's defining features is the individualized personal
care provided to residents who need assistance with activities
of daily living or help (such as reminders) with medications.
Personal care services offered in assisted living cover a broad
range of activities of daily life to assist the resident in maintaining
the highest level of dignity and independence possible. An individualized
service plan is developed for each resident and is revised as
new needs arise. The service plan identifies resident needs and
implements plans to meet those needs. Assisted living also can
provide a structured setting for residents who are experiencing
memory loss and other symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease and
related dementia.
What is the residents' level of satisfaction
in assisted living?
The members of Mass-ALFA conducted a formal performance evaluation
program in 2002 and 2003 to better understand how well providers
are achieving their goals and how satisfied residents are with
the quality of life provided by assisted living residences. The
most recent survey indicated that:
94% of all respondents agree that the resident was
safe and secure
95% of all respondents believe the resident's rights are respected
92% of all respondents feel the resident has control over his/her
life
What is the cost of assisted living?
The cost of assisted living varies with each residence. It will
depend on the size and location of the apartment and the amount
of services needed by a specific resident. Monthly fees are based
on rent, utilities, food, housekeeping, personal care and other
optional services and amenities. Assisted living costs are generally
less than those for a skilled nursing facility because nursing
homes are required to provide intensive, 24-hour skilled nursing
and related care.
Most assisted living residences bill on a monthly
basis. In Massachusetts, monthly fees range from approximately
$2,000 to more than $6,000. Because special care units and programs
for people with memory loss and/or dementia provide additional
staffing and services, they are typically at the high end of the
fee range.
Who pays for assisted living? Are there
programs that can help?
Most people in Massachusetts today pay privately for assisted
living. However, some long-term care insurance policies are now
offering coverage for some of the costs associated with assisted
living. Coverage provisions vary widely, so it is important to
read and compare policies carefully. In some cases, additional
financial assistance programs may also be available through specific
assisted living residences.
There are limited public funds available that can
cover a portion of assisted living fees for financially and clinically
eligible individuals. Mass Health (Massachusetts Medicaid) has
programs like Group Adult Foster Care (“GAFC”) that
provides daily assistance with personal care services in an assisted
living setting. It is best to check directly with each assisted
living residence regarding its participation in Mass Health, both
generally and in its specialized programs for memory loss and
dementia.
Please note that Medicare (the federal insurance
program that provides healthcare coverage for the disabled and
elderly) does not pay for the cost of assisted living.
What are the existing laws pertaining to
assisted living?
In 1994, MASS-ALFA was instrumental in passing Chapter 19D of
the Massachusetts General Laws, An Act Establishing Assisted Living
Residences. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) regulations
implementing Chapter 19D are found in 651 CMR 12.00 et seq. Together,
the assisted living statute and regulations provide a process
for certification, along with required minimum standards and guidelines
for assisted living units and services, residency agreements and
service plans. The law also specifies assisted living residents'
rights, which emphasize privacy, autonomy and individual choice,
and include the right to access an assisted living Ombudsman program.
A variety of state laws and regulations regarding
service delivery, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, and
landlord-tenant also pertain to the operation of assisted living
residences.
What is MASS·ALFA?
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Facilities Association (Mass-ALFA)
is a non-profit association devoted to supporting the establishment
and operation of quality assisted living residences in Massachusetts
that provide appropriate supportive housing and services for individuals
with varied needs and income levels. Established in 1990 as a
state affiliate of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA),
Mass-ALFA has grown to hundreds of members including assisted
living providers and associated professionals. Mass-ALFA provides
information, advocacy and support to the assisted living community.
Mass-ALFA promotes the philosophy of assisted living which includes
offering cost-effective quality care tailored to the individual's
needs; fostering independence, dignity and the right to privacy
for each resident; allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle;
providing a safe, residential environment and making the assisted
living residence a valuable community asset.
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