Assisted Living Resources

Provided by Retirement Connection staff www.RetirementConnection.com. They can be reached at 800-296-6408

Licensing requirements for assisted living facilities vary by state and can be known by as many as 26 different names including: residential care, board and care, congregate care, and personal care. A complete list of each state's terminology and state regulations can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/Reports/04alcom.htm
Oregon Housing Options

Adult Care Home or Family Care Home are private residences that provides a home-like setting, and serves 5 or less residents. The caregiver may perform several functions, such as personal care, housekeeping and activities and group meals. There are three levels of Adult Foster Care Home licenses. The classification system is based on level of care the Adult Foster Home may provide to residents who live in the home as well as the experience and training of the providers and their ability to assist residents with: personal hygiene, mobility, eating, dressing, toileting, and behavior management. Residents may require very light assistance or may be dependent with several care needs; it is best to ask individual locations for their specific policies and license.

Assisted Living Communities are State-regulated rental properties where six or more residents may reside. Care assistance is available, including: medication management, bathing, dressing, toileting and eating. Apartments must be fully self-contained private living units with a lockable door, private bathroom, and kitchenette facilities. The fee schedule is regular monthly rent along with additional fees for specific services and amenities. Assisted living communities are best suited for individuals who want to remain as independent as possible and who are able to direct their own care.

Residential Care Facilities provide housing and supportive services for six or more people who do not require 24 hour nursing care. Pricing can vary greatly depending on the level of care provided and the size and amenities of each apartment. Accommodations are typically in a home like setting and may range from a shared bedroom with common bathroom, to private apartments with kitchenette and private bathroom. Monthly fees vary greatly based on unit amenities and care services. Many residential care facilities specialize in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Adult Family Homes List

Due to the large number of Adult Family Homes (AFH's) in Oregon they are not listed individually on this website or in the print guide unless they are an advertiser, however they are listed by each county. Below are links to counties covered in this directory and in the books. These government websites maintain lists of Adult Foster Homes.

    * Clackamas County
    * Clark County
    * Multnomah County
    * Washington County
    * Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, Yamhill Counties

Choosing A Community

A good match between a community and a resident's needs depends as much on the philosophy and services as it does on the quality of care. The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living community:

   1. What are your future needs and how will the community meet those needs?
   2. Is the community close to family and friends?
   3. Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?
   4. Visit each community more than once, sometimes unannounced.
   5. Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality.
   6. Observe interactions among residents and staff and ask questions.
   7. Ask about social, recreational, and spiritual activities.
   8. Ask about the type and frequency of staff trainings.
   9. Review state licensing reports.

These steps should also be considered:

Contact your state's long-term care ombudsman to see if any complaints have recently been filed against the assisted living community you are interested in. In many states, the ombudsman checks on conditions at assisted living units and nursing homes.

If the assisted living community is connected to a nursing home, ask for information about it, too. (Information on nursing homes can be found on the Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp ).

Sources: www.eldercare.gov/eldercare/Public/resources/fact_sheets/assisted_living.asp
& Oregon Department of Health & Human Services and Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services Department.

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