The Basics of Denver, Colorado Assisted Living
Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 36,000 assisted living facilities. It is expected that the industry will grow to become a $20 billion per year industry within the next several years. Almost half of all assisted living facilities have been opened since 1992 and the median age of facilities is three years. Eighty-eight percent of assisted living facilities are for-profit; 12% are not-for-profit facilities.
Approximately 80% of assisted living facilities are parts of a chain, while 76% are free standing, while 18.9% are part of 85 facilities that combine an assisted living facility with a continuing care, independent living or skilled nursing facilities and 4.6% of facilities offer only independent living. The average length of stay in an assisted living facility is 26.4 months.
It is believed that the explosive growth of the business is due to the aging population and the increased net worth of the elderly. Many elderly persons live alone; women often outlive men, many more couples divorce nowadays, and large numbers of people choose not to marry. The growth in the older population means that more individuals are living to an age where assistance is needed to remain in their own home or to go into institutionalized care. The average occupancy for assisted living residences is near 93%.
In addition, more people are able to afford assisted living facilities because the cost of such facilities is generally less than a nursing home and incomes have risen. Costs vary considerably in Denver, Colorado assisted living facilities, depending on room size and the types of services required. The average cost of assisted living is $2,500 for a studio-type apartment. Medicare does not pay for assisted living directly because it is not considered a reimbursable care setting such as a hospital or skilled nursing facility. However, since the facility is considered the residents home, Medicare in Colorado will pay for some home health services such as nursing services under the direction of a professional registered nurse, physical therapy, occupational or speech therapy, medical social services under the direction of a physician or the part-time or intermittent services of a home health aide. However, if either state law or the assisted living facility contract requires the facility to provide the services, then Medicare typically will not pay for those services.
Medicare in Colorado will also pay for durable medical equipment used by the resident in an assisted living facility if the facility is “used as a home.” Medicare will also pay for physical therapy on an outpatient basis or in the assisted living facility. Hospitals and skilled nursing centers do not qualify under the definition of the beneficiary’s home, but there is no exclusion for assisted living facilities.
Assisted living residents may also receive assisted living facility services if they elect to use this benefit. This is generally less than the cost of combined housing and home health care costs or the cost of a nursing home.
It should be noted that most assisted living centers require an “up-front” fee. Some assisted living facilities bill extra for each ADL they provide while others bundle services together using a tiered pricing formula.
Assisted living facilities are regulated and licensed at the state level. Each state does so according to its own laws– there are no federal regulations on assisted living. For information on Colorado Assisted Living regulations and a listing of Colorado Assisted Living Facilites, please visit the Colorado Senior Answers web site.
Denver, Colorado Nursing Homes - Ten Points to Consider When Selecting a Facility
In selecting a Denver, Colorado Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), you are deciding how someone you love will live for the next few months or years. In our experience, these ten considerations are important, if not crucial, when selecting a Skilled Nursing Facility.
- Approach a Prospective Nursing Facility with a Positive Attitude
Despite the horror stories that provide fodder for the evening news, most people who work in nursing facilities are professionals who take pride in their work. Of course, some facilities are better than others, and that is why you are evaluating more than one. - Do Not Confuse SNF Care with Colorado Assisted Living
Do not be shocked or upset by the fact that you will see some nursing home residents who are very ill, often mentally as well as physically. You are looking for quality of care. If your family member is more alert and needs a quiet room, be sure to discuss this with the person showing you the facility. The residents in the assisted living facility may look healthier, but that kind of facility may not be able to provide the level of care and supervision by licensed nurses that is provided by a skilled nursing facility. - Location, Location, Location
As with any place you live, location is crucial. A very important factor in receiving quality SNF care is family involvement. Therefore, try to find a facility that is convenient for the family to visit. - Conduct Your Own Inspections
Find the most convenient facilities and check each one three times as follows:
First Visit: Go in during business hours, tour the facility, meet the Administrator, Director of Nurses (DON), and social worker, read the survey report, and ask questions. If this is a short term admission for physical rehabilitation, talk to the therapy department as well. Find out how each shift is staffed (registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, uncertified staff) so that you can compare among facilities. Although there is usually a specific regulatory requirement for nursing hours per day (i.e., 3.5 hours per day of nursing care per patient), different facilities may allocate this differently between nursing shifts and some may exceed the minimum to a greater extent than others.Second Visit: Go in during the evening meal and observe interaction between CNAs and residents. Pay particular attention to residents who need encouragement with meals. Are they receiving it? Are the patients dressed appropriately for the time and season?
Third Visit: Go in on the weekend. Talk to family members visiting other residents about their experiences with the facility. Look to see if there are activities. Ask to speak to the nurse in charge on the weekend and find out how long he or she has worked there. Get a general feeling for the place during a busy day shift when the higher level administrative staff people are not there. Are the staff members interacting with residents or talking over residents’ heads to each other?
- Will Your Loved One’s Special Needs be Accommodated?
If your family member is a fussy eater, ask about how often the dietician visits and how much flexibility is available with the planned menus. If he or she has Alzheimer’s, find out about any special programs as well as what safeguards are in place to prevent wandering. If your loved one speaks English as a second language, ask if there are any staff members who speak your family member’s primary language.
Visit our FREE Colorado Elder Care Resource Center to continue reading the rest of this article…
Home Health Care and Assisted Living Benefits for Colorado Veterans
VA Programs Also Help Pay for Long-Term Care Expenses
The losses suffered by someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease go far beyond the physical and emotional. The disease can cause a great financial strain as well. Recent studies show that the average direct cost of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient from diagnosis to death is $174,000.
One source of financial help many people overlook is the Veteran’s Administration. The agency offers funds and services to disabled veterans who can show a financial need, regardless of whether or not they have a service-related disability. Read more