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Why Is Assisted Living Certification Important?

The problem with Assisted Living communities is that there are no federal standards. In one state, an Assisted Living community may be a house modified for multiple occupancy. Another may consist of individual dwellings where the residents are all provided with help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Still another may be comprised of apartments with public spaces for hair salons, dining, and fitness.

Assisted Living communities may be called personal care homes, board and care homes, adult foster care, group homes, supportive living arrangements, and community residential settings. Nearly all of the communities in a Health and Human Services survey of Assisted Living offer basic health monitoring, incontinence care, social and recreational activities, special diets, and laundry services.

Differences Among States

However, each state has different rules and regulations. For example, in Massachusetts, each community or group of communities with the same ownership must provide an operating plan that includes the following information:

  • Fee structure for lodging, meals and services
  • Type and extent of services to be offered, including arrangements for providing such services
  • Plan for self-administered medication management for residents
  • Means for residents to communicate urgent or emergency assistance
  • Plan to provide timely assistance to residents who request urgent or emergency assistance
  • Number of staff and minimum qualifications
  • Copy of the residency agreement that meets state codes
  • Quality improvement and assurance program
  • Policies and procedures designed to ensure a safe environment for residents
  • Assurance of resident rights, which include privacy, confidentiality, ownership of property, a safe environment, the exercise of civil and religious liberties, and reasonable response to requests
  • Mandatory provision of housekeeping, dining services, housekeeping, medication management, laundry services, provision of help with ADLs, and opportunities for socialization
  • Express prohibition for any staff member or anyone associated with the community to manage funds or property of residents with a value of over $200
  • State-mandated guidelines for admission and retention of residents
  • Periodic review of resident care plans
  • Resident assessment requirements

The state also requires that all Assisted Living communities:

  • Meet fire and safety codes
  • Provide private bathrooms for residents
  • Provide lockable doors for all residences
  • Provide kitchenette or access to cooking facilities for residents
  • Maintain 24-hour-a-day on-site staff
  • Employ trained staff including licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), certified home health aides, qualified personal care homemakers or staff who have completed a 54-hour training course (7-hour general orientation and additional training, including 10 annual hours of continuing education, are also specified)
  • Provide a service plan for each resident based on information from the resident’s physician or authorized practitioner

Massachusetts also has special provisions for memory care and other special units.

The state of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elderly Affairs also inspects each community every 2 years, although they are permitted to inspect at any time.

Massachusetts also provides a website with contact information to determine if a community is or has been in violation of state law. A Place for Mom provides contact information for every state.

Why Is Assisted Living Certification Important?

Because state regulations vary from state to state, not only is certification important, the breadth and rigor of state requirements may result in major differences in resident quality of life and, indeed, survival.

For example, Alabama, South Carolina and three other states, on the other hand, mandate no requirements for inspections at all.

Requirements for training vary from state to state, too. In Minnesota and 13 other states, administrators don’t need high school diplomas. Facilities in Colorado and other states are not required to have a licensed nurse on staff.

Unfortunately, there is no national ranking system for Assisted Living communities. Caring.com does offer a rating for Assisted Living communities based on customer reviews.

Want to Know More about Assisted Living?

If you are a caregiver for your parent or an older adult, please take a moment to see if any of these informative articles can improve their and your life.

At The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, we believe in creating an engaging, stimulating environment that benefits the mind, body and spirit of our residents. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness, with programs that benefit brain health, physical fitness and more.

If you have questions about how The Arbors can help older adults live independent, active, fulfilling lives, please contact us.

 

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This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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