What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is an option for individuals who can no longer live independently. It is a phrase used to describe the concept of supportive services as well as a reference to a place that provides those services.  You may have heard of an Assisted Living Residence or Community.  In Ohio, these are facilities that are licensed by the Ohio Department of Health to offer services such as Meals, Personal Care, Medication Supervision or Administration, Activities of Daily Living, therapies and more.  All Assisted Living Communities are surveyed by the Ohio Department of Health on an annual basis and must comply with strict guidelines written into Ohio Law. Assisted Living Communities are for adults of all ages, but it is primarily those over 65 who are residents.  Some Assisted Living Communities are small, others large, some with all furniture included, others are unfurnished allowing a resident to bring their own personal furniture and belongings.  All utilities and meals are typically included, except for a land line telephone.  Satellite TV and Wi-Fi are often included.  Lots of choices.  A resident in an Assisted Living Community may come and go, may have a car and may even have a small pet, dependent upon the type of community chosen.  Staff is on duty 24 hours per day and provides supportive services via tiered “levels of care”. Some Assisted Living Communities offer “Respite Care”. This gives a resident and family the opportunity to experience Assisted Living services without a long-term commitment.  It is perfect for times when the family and/or caregivers need to be away for out of town travel, medical care, or sometimes just needing a little break from caregiving. Respite Care is generally for a minimum three day stay and is scheduled in advance.  Respite Care is Private Pay.  This means that there is a daily rate and it is paid at the time of the stay, in advance.  

Assisted Living is part of a continuum of care, between Independent Living and Skilled Nursing Care.  Medicare does not pay for Assisted Living.  Private Pay, Long Term Care Insurance and perhaps Medicaid may help to cover the costs.  In order for Medicaid to pay, a resident would need to apply for the State of Ohio Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver program.  Follow this link for more details.

https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/medicaid-waivers/oh-assisted-living.html  

For older individuals who may be a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran who served during specific War Times, there may also be another payment option…Aid and Attendance.  To learn about eligibility guidelines, visit this link or your local Veterans Services Commission Office.  https://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp

Assisted Living can be a perfect option for individuals who may no longer be able to live on their own.  It is a great solution for those who might be having shoulder replacement, elective surgery, etc. and in need of short term care, knowing that Medicare will not cover it.  

To learn more about Medicaid and options for payment, contact Christine Barrows at Gateway Family House at 216-532-1125