Assisted Living Center vs. Nursing Home Regulations

    PHOENIX, AZ, September 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When an older person needs assistance, but not necessarily round-the-clock care, an assisted living center may be the answer. If the elderly person needs only occasional assistance with medical attention or help with daily activities, then an assisted living center is one to consider. However, the definition for assisted living center varies widely from state to state. Just because one center provides one type of assistance doesn't necessarily mean that another in the same city might offer that same assistance.

Until national standards and regulations are in place, you'll need to do your homework. According to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), assisted living is a senior living option that combines housing, support services, and health care, as needed. An assessment is made upon entry into the center and then any time a change in condition is noted.

Regulating Assisted Living Centers - Good or Bad?

Protections for seniors are provided by every state, however, regulations and licensure varies widely. Without such federal regulation commonly found within the nursing home environments, the more than 36,000 assisted living centers in the U.S. have been able to adapt to the wide needs of residents and come up with innovative solutions to meet their specific requirements. While regulation is many times good, forcing such regulation on assistive living centers would deny choice and independence for which the industry is known.

This lack of regulation makes it difficult for those who suspect abuse within an assisted living center. Attorneys experienced in nursing home abuse will be able to explain the regulations or lack of regulations and how they may impact your case.

What Assisted Living Centers Typically Provide

Within the large variety of services assisted living centers provide, you'll find an assortment of help for your loved one. Some of the services you may find in an assisted living center, include:

- Assistance with daily activities - eating, dressing, cleaning
- Management of money
- Help with shopping
- Arrangement of medical appointments

Many states prohibit assisted living centers from providing ongoing skilled nursing. So it's important that your loved one is assessed upon entry into an assisted living center to make certain the facility can handle your loved one's special needs.

If you live in the state of Arizona and would like to learn more the regulation differences between nursing homes and assisted living centers, please visit the website of Cullan & Cullan, M.D., J.D. located in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. The elderly have rights that should always be protected for themselves and for others.

Website: http://www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org

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