Serving our Clients with Compassion and Dignity.
About Assisted Living
Assisted Living facilities are settings designed primarily for seniors who need housing and personal care services, with a healthcare component, in a 24/7 supervised setting. These facilities, which come in all sizes, are a socially oriented model of care for seniors. This is a significant contrast to the medical model of care such as a Hospital or the nursing model of care such as in a Nursing home/facility. Residents are encouraged to maintain relationships with their community, family and friends and to become involved in the facility social activities which are held inside and outside the facility setting. (Ask for a copy of the current Activity Calendar). This setting is considered home by most and that philosophy is an integral part of the day to day life for residents, staff and family.
In Assisted Living the residents have their own private studio, one-bedroom or two bedroom apartments to help maximize their individuality and independence. The apartment includes a bathroom, a kitchenette and living room as well as the bedroom arrangements. (The design and accommodations are generally a bit different than this in Residential Care.) The apartment is furnished and decorated with the residents own personal belongings and taste. The apartment entrance opens out into hallways that lead around the building to a variety of shared or “community” spaces such as the Dining Room, Activity Room, Library, Medication Room, Chapel, etc. Most communities also have outdoor sitting, walking or group areas for recreation and leisure. Assisted Living facilities generally have a home like feel to them. You will see much variety though--- from very simple and plain to very elegant—from very friendly, warm and resident oriented to cool and distant, and of course everything in between.
Most residents who live in Assisted Living are in their early 80's and older. There are significantly more women than men. Each resident has the opportunity to be as social or as private as he chooses to be. It is common for new friendships, romances, and sometimes even marriages to occur. Life in these communities can be pleasant, engaging and fulfilling. For some it is a salvation from their loneliness or aloneness. Meals are provided in the Dining Room and residents are encouraged to attend. Alternative arrangements are available though for circumstances such as illness.
Residents in Assisted Living typically need help with one or more of the following activities of daily living (ADL’s): medication management, nutrition, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility and transfers, and even some cognitive issues. Residents are encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves though. A plan of care and services is developed and utilized which reflects the resident’s individual needs and wishes. This care and service plan is updated at scheduled intervals and as needed. Housekeeping and laundry services are non-care services you will also find available to the resident.
Typically, the monthly pricing for this setting is tied in with the individual resident’s plan of care/services as well their specific apartment. Monthly prices in the Portland Metro area begin as low as $2200 a month and go up from there with very common pricing between $2500 and $4000 + per month. Payment options include private funds and might also include Medicaid, VA benefits or long term care insurance. Be sure to discuss contracts, costs and financing with the facility representative.
In Oregon, Assisted Living facilities are licensed and regulated by the State. They are inspected and relicensed every two years, or more often if indicated. A copy of the Inspection Report is available for your review in at least two locations: (1) posted in a public area in the facility (ask if you can’t find it) and (2) at the local County office. Please see our page on Public Disclosure Records for additional information.
Assisted Living and Residential Care Facilities are wonderful options for many, many seniors. And we are very fortunate to live in such a progressive state that has so many high quality settings to choose from. If this category of care sounds like the right match for you or your loved one, we recommend you visit (scheduled as well as drop-in) at least three facilities for comparison and utilize our enclosed guidelines “Choosing an Assisted Living or Residential Care Facility.” Be sure to also review the County Public Disclosure Records for any facility you are considering.