Choosing an Assisted Living, Personal Care or Nursing Home
Assisted Living, Personal Care and Nursing Homes
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lacing a loved one in an assisted living, personal care or nursing home can be an overwhelming and emotional undertaking for both the individual being placed and the family and friends helping in the process. If a person does not need supervision 24 hours a day, a personal care home may be more suitable. A personal care home provides lodging, food and personal care support services (such as bathing and dressing) for those in need of care. Finding an assisted living, personal care or nursing home can be a difficult and confusing experience, so plan ahead; talk with family, friends, social workers, doctors and a local ombudsman. Doing thorough research will satisfy you and your loved one that the facility you have chosen will provide the best care and comfort possible.
How Much Will It Cost for an Assisted Living/ Personal Care Home?
The average cost of an assisted living/personal care home ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 a month. This cost can be funded in several ways: private pay, with costs covered by the individual receiving the care; through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) where one can apply for Personal Care Supplement; or through a “third party agreement” where an outside source (such as family or friends) helps to pay for services.
What is the difference between an Assisted Living Residence and a Personal Care Home?
In January 2011, Assisted Living Residences—or, ALRs, began to be licensed based on a regulation adopted by the state of Pennsylvania’s Office of Long-Term Living. Similar to Personal Care Homes (PCHs), ALRs now have an initial assessment, development of a support plan, and a written contract between the resident and the residence; however, there are many differences between the two. ALRs are different from PCHs in three ways: concept, construction and level of care. ALRs embody the concept of allowing a resident to “age in place” without having to move to a licensed long-term care facility when their needs increase. The construction of an ALR is different from a PCH. PCH residents live in bedrooms that may be shared by up to four people; ALR residents will have living units with kitchen capacity. No one will be forced to share a living unit. Living units will have a door with a lock and a private bathroom. This housing-service model allows for privacy and maximum independence. It is similar to a studio apartment where the resident can make meals, if desired, and have a private bathroom. The level of care provided in an ALR is distinguishable from a PCH, offering another choice of long-term living options in the Commonwealth. A person who needs the level of care of a nursing facility is not permitted to reside in a PCH and must transfer when their needs become too great. That same person, however, will be able to live in an ALR where they’ll be provided with the services they need to age in place.
How Much Will It Cost for Nursing Home Care?
The average monthly cost of nursing home care in Pennsylvania is about $8,000. Medicaid pays the cost of nursing home care for people with limited incomes. Long-term care insurance, Medicare and private pay are ways in which to pay for care, so assess your financial situation.
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2013 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
First Steps for Prospective Residents
• Ask your doctor for a complete medical evaluation to decide if an assisted living, personal care or nursing home placement is right at this time. • If financial assistance is needed, contact the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging at (412) 350-5460 to request an assessment for level of care. • Please consider that the process of locating a residence and filling out the necessary paperwork takes time, and many facilities have waiting lists. Whenever possible, give yourself ample time to plan in advance. • Speak to an ombudsman who has knowledge about the process. • Consider location. Is it close to family and friends?
Researching an Assisted Living, Personal Care or Nursing Home
There is no need to be hesitant about paying a visit to a facility that you are considering for a loved one. Ask to be taken on a guided tour of the home and be sure to ask lots of questions. The checklist on the next page may be helpful. It is from www.medicare.gov/Nursing/Checklist.pdf.