Assisted Living Facilities
Setting: Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) are usually large apartment or resort-style communities with a lot more residents than Adult Family Homes. 100+ residents is not uncommon compared with 5-10 in an Adult Family Home. Residents can make friends, socialize in common areas and eat together in large dining rooms. Some may offer hair salons, pools, or movie theaters.
Ideal Resident: Assisted Living Facilities are ideal for a more independent resident who enjoys socializing and making friends. ALFs typically have a lower ratio of caregivers than Adult Family Homes, and therefore may not be the best fit for residents who require round-the-clock companionship or hands-on care.
Services Offered: Caregivers can assist with daily activities such as transferring, grooming or bathing. However, with fewer caregivers than AFHs, ALFs may turn down residents whose care requirements exceed a certain level. Meals, medications management and some nursing services may be offered, and many facilities have a dedicated Memory Care wing.
Cost: Assisted Living Facilities can be less expensive than Adult Family Homes (for a similar style room). Base prices may include accommodations and some services, but meals might be extra. Final quotes are determined case-by-case. Factors such as room style, daily care, meals, nurse requirement and cognitive ability may increase the cost.
Other: Assisted Living Facilities may provide Hospice Care, or accommodate clients with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions or memory related diseases at their own discretion. They typically accept Private Pay and Long-Term-Care Insurance, and some ALFs accept Medicaid. VA Benefits may also help cover some costs. Some ALFs may allow pets.