Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Assisted Living Residences?
Who Resides In Assisted Living Residences?
Can You Afford Assisted Living?
What Quality Standards Do Assisted Living Residences Meet?
How to Choose an Assisted Living Residence?
What Are Assisted Living Residences?
Assisted living residences are:
1. Housing environments which provide individualized health and personal care assistance in a home-like setting. The level of care available is between that provided in congregate housing (housing with meal service) and a skilled nursing facility. In these settings:
- Residents are semi-independent physically or mentally, or frail persons who need frequent assistance
- Services offered include, personal care assistance, health care monitoring, limited health care services and/or the dispensing of medications
- State licensing and regulation by state social welfare agencies is required
2. Important because they promote independence by meeting residents' supportive needs while preventing inappropriate institutionalization.
Who Resides In Assisted Living Residences?
Assisted living housing is often deemed necessary when you have difficulty performing have no one to help you. Some indicators are:
- Needing help preparing meals, bathing, dressing, toileting, or taking medication
- Needing assistance with housekeeping chores or laundry
- Requiring some health care assistance or monitoring
- Needing transportation to doctors, shopping, and personal business
- Feeling frequently confused or experiencing memory problems
What Services are Provided?
While you can receive assistance in several different ways, typical assisted living services include:
- Meals
- Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing and dressing
- Help with medications
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
Can You Afford Assisted Living?
Costs in assisted living residences range from less than $1,800 a month to $3,200 or more a month, depending on the services and accommodations offered. The facility's charges will reflect the number of services to which you have access. In addition to basic charges, there may be extra charges for some services. The cost may also vary according to the size of the room or apartment.
In some states, funds are available for those who cannot afford assisted living. In those states, the service component of assisted living may be paid for by Medicaid if the state has applied for and been approved under a home and community-based waiver. Medicaid is the joint federal and state program that helps older people and those with disabilities pay for nursing home care and health care at home after they can no longer afford the expenses themselves. The waiver is for persons who are determined to be eligible for nursing home care. The resident may then use Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to pay for the room and board costs. in most cases, however, you or your family pay for the majority of assisted living services.
What Quality Standards Do Assisted Living Residences Meet?
Licensure and regulations vary from state to state. Assisted living may be called by other names, and there may be several types within a state. For these reasons different state agencies may be responsible for overseeing assisted living residences. Ask the facility if the state requires a license. if so, ask to see the most recent inspection report.
Ridgeview Residential and Assisted Living Center is a licensed facility in the State of Arkansas, approved as a Medicaide respite care and Veterans Administration provider.
How to Choose an Assisted Living Residence?
Most people want to stay in their own homes as long as they can. Often, a combination of family, friends and home care can make that possible The time may come, however, when the need for services and the security of living with others in a supervised setting makes living in an assisted living residence preferable to living on your own. Here are some questions to help you choose the best assisted living residence for your needs:
- What kinds of services are available?
- Are services provided by the facility's employees, or are arrangements made with other agencies?
- What choice of accommodations is there?
- Are friends and family able to visit conveniently?
- What is included in the daily or monthly rate?
- What services are available for extra charges?
- Can furniture and other personal items be brought from home?
- What kinds of activities and recreation are available? How often?
- What happens if you need additional assistance later on? Do you have to move, or can the facility provide the care you need?
It is a good idea to visit several assisted living residences before making a choice. Ask those who live in the community to be sure the facility and the owner or sponsor have a good reputation. Talk with residents about life in the facility. Be sure the staff is respectful and friendly.
In addition, observe the physical aspects of the facility, including cleanliness. Look for features designed for safety such as well-lit stairs and halls, handrails in bathrooms, exits that are well marked, and a way to summon help if needed.
Also, make sure the activities are appropriate for your individual needs. Find out how much input you will have in your daily life and care, and how much flexibility there is in the schedule. For example, if you need assistance with bathing, will you be able to choose when and how often?
Main Features
Resources
Welcome Letter A welcome and introduction to Ridgeview Residential & Assisted Care Center from Dr. Mike Hopkins.
Making A DifferenceDiscover how Ridgeview Residential & Assisted Care Center is making a difference in the lives of the elderly.
Assisted Living ChecklistAssure the facility you select will be of the highest quality and meets your needs.
Cost ComparisonCompare your loved one's current cost of living to the cost of living at Ridgeview.