Assisted Living Facilities « Elder Care

Articles, Publications, Organizations and Services
Related to Assisted Living Facilities

Articles & Publications re: Assisted Living Facilities

• 10 Things Assisted-Living Homes Won't Tell You (Smart Money – 8/15/12)
  Moving to a residential-care facility is difficult enough — even before you account for the hidden fees, untrained caretakers and misleading marketing.
• Advocate Fights 'Ambient Despair' In Assisted Living (NPR – 9/6/12)
  The real problem residents face in assisted living facilities is coping emotionally. Most residents show a calm, even peaceful veneer. But beneath the surface, all of us are susceptible to the ambient despair that is a permanent component of life in assisted living. It's the result of years of loneliness and isolation.  
• Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans   
  Veterans who are injured in the line of duty face many challenges when they return home, including the inability to live an independent life. Whether fully or partially disabled, many need assistance with daily activities.
• How to check the financial health of a continuing care retirement community (Kiplinger)
  Community care retirement communities promise to see retirees through independent living to skilled nursing care — usually for a hefty upfront fee. Before turning over a chunk of your nest egg to a community, check out its financial stability and services first.
• How to Deduct Assisted Living Facility Costs (Robert C. Anderson, LL.M. Taxation, CELA)
  The IRS provides an income tax deduction for medical expenses which include "qualified long-term services." This is a helpful article written by one of our friends on important tax considerations for folks who live in an assisted living facility!
• Question about Assisted Living Rental Agreement (Avvo.com)
  A friend of mine is in a assisted living…her ss and pension is only $2500 a month. The place where she is staying accepted that amount. It normally is $3400 a month. They have found someone that can afford the full amount, and said she needs to leave. Can you please help us?  See answers from Patti and other attorneys related to this issue from link above.
• SourceBook – Your Guide to Retirement Living
  A resource for consumers and professionals alike. From active adult communities to assisted living facilities, the goal is to provide the most complete presentation of otpions for an aging public.  
• Tips for Choosing a Facility and Making the Transition (helpguide.org)
  Making the decision to leave your home can be difficult, but by taking time to find the right fit and being honest about your needs and concerns, you can you can make the choice that’s right for you and ensure your senior years are happy and fulfilling.

Organizations and Services re: Assisted Living Facilities

• Assisted Living Consumer Alliance
  A national collaboration of groups and individuals working together to promote consumer safety, choice, and rights in assisted living.
• Assisted Living Federation of America
  The largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally operated assisted living communities for seniors and works to influence public policy by advocating for informed choice, quality care, and accessibility for all Americans.
• Assisted Living Directory lists numerous facilities and, at times, other senior care options, organized by state, and then by city.  They strive to make quality online advertising for assisted living accessible for assisted living facilities of any size.
• Best Nursing Home Rankings by U.S. News & World Report in Michigan 
  There are 440 nursing homes in Michigan. Of these, 68 received an overall Top Performing rating.