What is assisted living?

According to the National Center for Assisted Living,“[a]ssisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.”

What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?

Assisted living communities are designed to provide long-term care services to individuals who need assistance with daily living. These services can include everything from medication dispensing and hygiene services to housekeeping, meal preparation, and exercise. While the level of care will vary depending on the individual and community, you’re considering, assisted living residents to have some degree of independence. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed for individuals who are dependent on others for daily living. Residents of nursing homes typically require 24/7 monitoring from nurses and other medical professionals.

How much does assisted living cost?

The cost of assisted living varies depending on the community, level of care, and even your state or region. To get an idea of what assisted living will cost for your loved one, it is a good idea to get quotes from providers in the area you’re considering. You can also reference the Genworth Cost of Care survey to find the median price of care in your region.

How do I pay for assisted living?

In Michigan, once you are Medicaid eligible, you can apply for the MI Choice program, a Medicaid waiver program that pays for the care portion of your assisted living bill. After becoming eligible for Medicaid, MI Choice will conduct an assessment and will pay the provider a daily fee for the services they render. The average amount MI Choice will pay is approximately $50 per day or $1500 per month. Residents with limited income or savings can also pay for assisted living through long-term care insurance, veteran’s benefits, life insurance or home equity.

When is it time for assisted living?

The transition to assisted living usually occurs when someone is no longer able to live independently and needs help with some or all of the activities of daily living (ADLs). Slow decline in health, memory loss, or even an event like a fall can lead to the realization that living with assistance is a better option than living in a way that is unsafe or lonely. If you’re unsure if you’re loved one should be in assisted living, it’s a good idea to talk to them about how they’re managing their daily activities. Consulting a trusted medical professional and even assisted living communities can also be helpful in assessing if your loved one needs care and the level of care they require.

How do I get my parents into assisted living?

If your loved one needs assisted living you should begin by discussing their needs and wants, spanning everything from the level of care to amenities and price. From there, you can narrow down the communities in your chosen area and tour or call the most promising candidates. You’ll receive more information about the cost and levels of care the communities provide, while also getting a feel for whether your loved one would be comfortable there. A good community will help you navigate the logistics of paying for care and making the transition into assisted living.

When do you move from assisted living to memory care?

When an individual moves to memory care from assisted living depends on the community they are at and the level of care they require. Residents who need a higher level of supervision or more specialized care (such as a greater emphasis on relationship building or sensory issues) could be candidates for a move.

How are Vibrant Life communities different from other assisted living or memory care communities?

Vibrant Life communities want residents to focus on living, rather than assistance. We help each person enjoy life to its fullest with personalized care that emphasizes meaningful relationships and activities that meet their interests. Our specially trained Carefriends foster a feeling of community and help each person be happy and healthy through quality care.