Assisted Living in California

How Assisted Living Facilities Operate in California

Assisted Living Facilities is a housing option for older people who need support and assistance. Statistics shows that the average age is 85 to 87 years old. For the most part, assistive care can be a residential type of facility that either is a converted residential home or an apartment within a senior community. A shared room or apartment is available depending on resources available.

Independence and privacy is encouraged with activities available for both social and recreational engagement. Meals are served and residents dine together to encourage socialization. The residents are allowed to do what they can do while assistance is also available whenever the need arises.

Assistance and services may vary but it will always meet the residents' needs and safety first. A Wellness Center allows residents to speak with the nurse or residential coordinator and gain assistance with medications and other health issues. Usually medication is dispersed and management through a Wellness Center.

Should a doctor feel a resident can benefit from Medicare Home Health Services, the resident can still have a visiting nurse and/or physical therapist come into the home. The residents usually coordinate care for Medicare Home Health Services directly with their own doctor as a home care prescription is required. For residents that are not homebound, some assisted living properties may offer an Outpatient Physical Therapy Center.

Some services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management and personal hygiene are considered additional services and should be discussed prior to touring a facility.

For the most part, daily meal preparation is included and served in a central kitchen or dining area. Residents can enjoy their meals with other residents and caregivers are available for assistance.

Some assisted living communities have physicians that makes house calls come to the property. It is not a requirement to use the physician’s services however this type of service is a value added perk to senior living.

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Checklist for Selecting an Assisted Living Community

The following questions can help you to evaluate the "right" Assisted-Living Communities for your needs. Checklist will basically increase your reliability and help your decision-making. You can make your own check-list according to your needs.

Location and Environment

  • Check the general ambiance. Is it home like? Is it clean and attractive? Is courtesy and warm felt in the air?
  • Assess the management, the staff and the residents. Are the management and staff friendly and professional in dealing with you and others? Are they quick in answering and assisting you on your tour and queries? Are the residents happy and comfortable? Are they appropriate companion and friends for your love ones? Do they have positive feedback about their community?
  • Listen to your personal observation. Do you like the place? Is this the place suited for your love ones? Do you like the atmosphere? Can you envision your loved one socializing with others on property?
  • Is the property close to your home or office so you can visit your loved one?

Physical Features and Accommodation

  • Look at the design and safety. Is the place designed to meet your love one's need? Is the floor design, stairways and pathways safe for the weak and elderly? Are the rooms, cupboards, shelves are accommodating for them? Are there any hand-rails to aid walking?
  • Check Security system. Is it safe? Do they have ample security system like personal alarms, monitoring, smoke detectors, fire exits and others? Is there any elevator for those who need it?
  • Notice the lighting. Is the community has enough lights for comfort, security and safety of the residents?
  • Cleanliness. Is the facility free of odor? Do the residents look well groomed and bathed?

Services & Amenities

  • Check on their personal care services. Can they provide the personal care services according to your love one's need? What are the services they offer?
  • Ask about the availability of assistance and support of the staff. Is assistance available 24 hours or as much as it is needed? Who is responsible after normal business hours a clinician or security guard?
  • Inquire on housekeeping and transportation services. Do they have transportation for the resident's appointments outside the community? Is there parking available should a resident still drive? Is housekeeping services available weekly or daily?
  • Check the food service. Is healthy and variety of food provided? Can you request special food and snacks? Is there a dietician available to help meal plan for those residents with dietary needs? Is it possible to eat in one’s apartment instead of dining area?
  • Ask about medical/therapeutic services and programs. Are there any regular medical check-up schedules or visiting physicians available? How about health and exercise programs and activities?

Room/Apartment Features

  • Check on the space and comfort. Are the room/apartment spacious enough? Do they have own lockable doors and lockers? Are walkers, scooters or wheelchair accommodated in the apartment?
  • Look at the emergency system. Is there any emergency system, telephone, internet access, etc.?
  • Inquire about apartment furnishing. Do you have to bring your own furnishing or it is provided? Can the resident decorate it on their own taste?
  • Social & Recreational Activities
  • Inquire about their program and activities. Are there any field trips, theaters, events schedules?
  • Ask about pets.
    Are residents allowed to have pets? Does the community have its own pet? Can the community staff help care for my pet as well?

Management and Staff

  • Ownership of care community. How long has the individual or organization owned/managed the property? Being familiar with the turnover trend of employed caregivers and administration can help give you an idea of the stability of the property and management.
  • Price Increase. When was the last time the property had a price increase? Is it standard for an annual price increase?
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Steps to Qualify for Assisted Living in California

An author talked about "time for everything under the sun". He says that there is an appointed time in every activity under heaven. And when the time comes that we have to decide on sending our love ones to reside in an assisted living community, or as an elderly, you realized you're not capable of living by yourself, then you should be prepared. It will be a hard and emotional decision. You need mental and physical preparation because it is another transition period of your life.

Are you prepared for a move? What are the things you need to do?

  • Select a location and determine your budget. First, you have to look for an assisted living facility that will meet your needs and budget. Schedule tours in the general vicinity will help you determine care levels offered and pricing. Do the facilities meet your standards? Are the staff and caregivers nice and friendly? What are the levels of care offered? You can check every important detail that you need to know. It is necessary for your decision making.
  • Request an Assessment. After narrowing down your search, request for an assessment to be conducted by the facility. The free assessment is conducted by a clinician representing the property to determine cost and level of care. This individual will review the patient’s history and physical information whether your loved one be at home, another assisted living facility, in the hospital or at a skilled nursing and rehab center. There is no cost for the assessment but the assessment will give you a better idea of monthly expense and care required. This functional assessment will list services and is a customized service plan of care. It will give you specific details on how often and who will provide the assistance or service. This service plan can be changed or updated each month or quarterly depending upon the facility.
  • Forms Completed by a Physician. Once an assessment is conducted, the facility will provide you with State Forms that requires the primary care physician to make sure that the resident’s care level is appropriate for assisted living. These forms give the facility full understanding about your medical history and present condition and should be submitted 30 days ahead before you moved-in.
  • Sign a Residential Agreement. The agreement is between you and the facility. It is all about the services going to be rendered and the possible cost you are going to pay monthly or annually.
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Find Assisted Living in California


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