Assisted living facilities are bridging the gap between living independently in your own home and nursing home care. The facilities offer residential units that can include kitchens, housekeeping services, meals, transportation to doctors and other activities, as well as various levels of personal care for a monthly rental fee.

In its current state of development, assisted living, which can exceed $3,000-$4,000 a month, may not be an affordable option for everyone. Although about 37 states now pay for care in assisted living facilities through Medicaid waivers. Growing numbers of long-term care insurance policies cover assisted living.

Here are few points to consider:

• Is assisted living right for your personality? Do you like living in a close community or would home care, in combination with adult day care services work better?
• What is a realistic financial picture? Would you be able to pay increases in rental rates of 5% or more per year? As your abilities decline will you be able to afford increased additional costs to cover your increased need for services?
• What is the philosophy of care given by the facility? Are they truly concerned about giving care or just filling space? How much leeway does one have to make decisions about one's care and safety?
• Do you understand what the facility can and cannot do to accommodate increasing frailty? Who will help you make arrangements for care the facility cannot provide?
• How functional are the facilities? How easy are they to navigate with canes and walkers? What is the social atmosphere?

For more information: An excellent source is the "Guide to Health Services for Seniors," by Trudy Lieberman and the editors of Consumer Reports, $19.95. Available at bookstores or order by phone by calling (800) 500-9760, or www.ConsumerReports.org. 

Source: "Is Assisted Living the Right Choice," Trudy Lieberman, Consumer Reports, January 2001.

March 2002