Questions and Answers about Assisted Living

|   Providence Life Services' Frequently Asked Questions

An Assisted Living residence is a combination of community living with personalized supportive services and some health care designed to meet the needs of people who need help with activities of daily living. The goal of Assisted Living is to ensure safety while preserving as much independence as possible.

First determine the needs of the person you are looking for, and set your goals from there. Tour the campus — together if possible — and take notice of:

• how happy the residents seem
• how friendly and helpful the staff seem
• what kinds of recreational activities are posted
• what levels of care are available, and what is included in each level
• whether the community is licensed

If you have an opportunity to eat in the dining room, use that time to interact with other residents while you are sampling the food.

Nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care, usually for very frail people who have numerous healthcare requirements. Assisted Living communities are intended for people who are generally able to care for themselves except for a few activities with which they require help — for example, preparing meals, bathing, dressing, or performing household chores. Assisted Living services are also helpful for people who are sometimes confused or experiencing memory problems.

Costs vary according to the residence, apartment size, and the types of services needed. A basic Assisted Living fee may cover all services or there may be additional charges for special services such as injections or transfers from bed to chair. Most Assisted Living communities charge month-to-month rates, but a few require long-term arrangements.

Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual’s health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed.

Providence Life Services has communities in Illinois and Michigan where Assisted Living services are available: