|
|
|
Assisted
Living in California
At a Glance
-
91% of residents are satisfied with their Assisted
Living experience.
-
There are 7,757 licensed Assisted Living communities (RCFEs) in California.
-
164,824 seniors live in California's Assisted Living communities (RCFEs).
-
RCFE's are regulated by Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing.
Assisted Living is a Service Intensive Model of Care
Assisted Living is a licensed residential setting that provides 24-hour care and supervision to seniors who need assistance, but do not require around the clock nursing care. Assisted Living communities provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, social activities, housekeeping, meals, transportation, and may offer dementia care programs and health-related services.
Assisted Living emerged as a response to consumer demand for a long-term care option that was less restrictive, residential rather than institutional, and one that would meet the everyday needs of those who can't live alone, but don't need 24-hour skilled nursing care. Assisted Living services promote maximum independence and dignity for each resident.
Government Oversight
Assisted Living communities in California are licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and are regulated by the Department of Social Services. Inspections by state officials, staff training and certification requirements, family and community involvement, and ongoing quality assurance efforts work together to help ensure quality care.
A large body of regulation, Title 22, regulates operation and provision of services in this care setting, including among other things:
Assisted Living Costs & Payments
Assisted Living in California is almost entirely private pay. Unlike health facilities or other home-and-community based programs, Medi-Cal does not cover Assisted Living, except through a small, time limited, pilot program in three counties. We are seeing, however, more long-term care policies covering Assisted Living care.
The cost of Assisted Living varies depending upon level of need, amenities, apartment size and location. Price changes are impacted by factors such as labor, energy, food and transportation costs. In addition, statutory and regulatory requirements change often and can have a significant impact on the cost of delivering services.
Despite these pressures that impact costs, Assisted Living is still among the least costly alternatives to other care options. The national averages, according to a recent MetLife study are:
-
Assisted Living (24 hours a day) - $2,969 or $35,628 annually
-
Skilled Nursing (24 hours a day) - $6,479 or $77,745 annually
-
Adult Day Care (daytime only; housing not included) - $61 day or $1,830 monthly
-
Home Care (housing not included) - $18 per hour
-
Home Health Care (housing not included) - $19 per hour
Variety & Choice
One of the most important elements of Assisted Living is the variety of Assisted Living communities available. Variations in size, amenities, services, and pricing enable consumers to choose an environment that they consider attractive, a community that meets their needs, an pricing that works for them. Assisted Living includes family-owned and operated communities, providers who serve seniors in several communities within California, and providers who offer Assisted Living services in communities in multiple states. The variety and flexibility of Assisted Living has helped make it the popular care option it is today.
Promoting an Informed Consumer
Taking full advantage of this variety consumers today are more informed than ever. Current law requires admission agreements to disclose pricing structures and reasons rates may go up. In addition, current law also requires disclosure of the reasons for a rate increase, along with the amount of the increase at least 60 days in advance. These laws help ensure that consumers understand the costs of care and have adequate notice of changes.
Demographic Trends
In the coming years, consumer demand for Assisted Living is expected to grow at an enormous rate. Many of the baby-boomer generation are now in their 60's and will soon be nearing an age where they will need access to supportive services, including Assisted Living. Currently, California is home to nearly 4 million people age 65 or older. By 2040, that population is expected to reach 12.5 million, an increase of 232 percent from 1990. The Golden State also boasts the highest number of residential care and Assisted Living beds in the nation (164,824). California's Assisted Living profession is already preparing for the fastest growing population group in California: age 85 and older. By 2040, that number is expected to grow to 1 in 34.
Trends in Assisted Living
Today's Assisted Living programs are designed with an eye toward preserving each resident's sense of individuality. We're seeing more diversity in services and programs available for consumers with care needs ranging from minor assistance through hospice care. We're also seeing enhanced staff training in key areas including dementia care and medication managment. Innovations in dementia care, fall prevention, promoting cognitive ability, and wellness promotion are positive examples of how Assisted Living providers continue to look to consumers to develop programs and services that meet their changing needs. From the greatest generation to the first baby boomers, Assisted Living is adapting to the needs and preferences of our consumers.
|
|
|
