How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility

Contributed by
Shari Kalmowitz, SR CONSULTING
The Carlisle Naples Rental Retirement Community

[Visit The Carlisle Naples website]

Whether you’re researching for loved ones or for yourself, there are many important things to consider when choosing an assisted-living facility. 

1. What is an Assisted Living Facility?
2. How does one qualify for an Assisted Living setting?
3. What types of services are offered and are the same services offered at all Assisted Living Facilities?
4. What forms of payment are accepted for residency?
5. How do I know if a facility complies with all state regulations and has had good survey results?

What is an Assisted Living Facility and how does it differ from a Nursing Home?

Assisted Living Facilities, also known as ALFs provide a residential, non-intimidating social setting for individuals requiring personal assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, ambulation, and medication administration. Florida Assisted Living providers must be licensed with a Standard Assisted Living Facility License. Two additional licenses – the Limited Nursing service (LNS) and the Extended Congregate Care (ECC) allow providers to deliver some skilled nursing services and more personal care. Assisted Living differs greatly from nursing home care where much more extensive skilled medical care is provided.

How does one qualify for an Assisted Living setting?

An important first step in your decision making process should include an evaluation of your or your loved one’s ability to live independently. Residency in an ALF is typically determined by a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living with some supervision or assistance. People seeking residency in an Assisted Living Facility cannot be bed ridden or in need of 24-hour nursing care. A medical examination and evaluation from a primary care physician is a typical component of the application process.

What types of services are offered and are the same services offered at all Assisted Living Facilities?

In addition to personal care services with ADLs (bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, ambulation, medication administration), all ALFs with a standard license typically provide meals, assistance with medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, routine maintenance, recreational and social activities as well as local transportation to shopping, appointments, and other activities.

ALFs with a Limited Nursing Service (LNS) license provide services that include the application and care of routine wound dressing, casts and/or braces, catheterizations, and other more medically directed services.

ALFs with an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license allow the facility to care for residents who may become frail and require more care than normally permitted with a standard license. This care allows the individual to remain at the facility and receive possible assistance with nursing care and assessments, and extensive aid with bathing, dressing, grooming, and general hygiene.

It should be noted that hospice intervention is offered when needed in ALFs with a Standard License to allow for Aging in Place under certain circumstances.

Amenities differ from facility to facility. Residents reside in accommodations ranging from private rooms to suites or apartments with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Some facilities offer cable television, computer/internet access, local phone and business services within the building or in each resident unit. Building amenities vary from site to site ranging from dining areas, activity rooms and common spaces to some facilities that offer specialty amenities such as in-house cinema, business center, fitness room, general store, wellness center and salon/spa.

What forms of payment are accepted for residency?

Costs for ALFs will vary. Rates vary from all-inclusive to base rates based on levels of care provided. Methods of payment typically accepted are private pay, supplemental payment, and some insurance plans. Financial assistance programs are offered at some communities -- check your eligibility status with the Florida Department of Children and Families. You or your loved one may be eligible for Medicaid Assistive Care Services or Assisted Living for the Elderly Medicaid Waiver program.

How do I know if a facility complies with all state regulations and has had good survey results?

In the state of Florida, Assisted Living Communities must be licensed and are regularly visited and inspected unexpectedly by The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to review care and administration of services within. Be sure to check licensure surveys done at the facility to determine compliance with regulatory issues and resident care needs. Communities have these survey results on file or you can contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration directly.

Be Prepared

Before visiting assisted living communities, it is recommended to make a list of questions segmented into categories such as personal medical needs, lifestyle issues (activities and interests, individual needs), financial responsibilities, staffing, licensure/survey results, reputation of community, and local community involvement. While on site, be sure to assess the overall atmosphere of the environment as well as the services and amenities it provides. Take notes while visiting and don’t hesitate to ask to speak with staff and residents. Ask people in the community (e.g., local businesses, local officials, Chamber of Commerce)  if they’ve heard of the ALF you are interested in and inquire about its community ties. All of this will help you organize the information and ultimately help you make the right decision for you or your loved one.

To find licensed Assisted Living Facilities in Florida, visit www.FloridaHealthStat.com (use the facility locator).

The Carlisle Naples has an established reputation of providing seniors the finest independent and assisted living in a rental resort-style community. Rated "perfect" by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, The Carlisle has also received awards for innovative programming, dedicated staff and community involvement.  Spacious one and two-bedroom apartment rentals are available annually and seasonally. Residents have access to concierge services, restaurant dining, housekeeping, an in-house Cinema, Business Center, Salon/Spa, Marketplace and enjoy fitness/wellness/aquatics programs, seminars, social events, outings, celebrations and more!  For more information about The Carlisle Naples, call (239) 591-2200 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com