This is a licensure question and depends upon state regulations. For example, here in Florida, we have three levels of ALF license. The highest level, ECC (extended congregate care) allows the facility to provide many (but not all) of the same services as a skilled nursing facility. However, just because a place has a license and "can" provide these services doesn't mean that it does a good job of actually doing so. In my experience, most of the ECC licensed ALFs don't do a great job of providing true 24/7 care to a particular patient. While the nursing staff is present, they can't be delivering hands on assistance to all of the residents at the same time. So the real question is what exactly your Mom needs and whether the facility can be reasonably expected to provide it. If not, you may be able to supplement the care provided with private duty care if financial resources permit, or a placement in a SNF might be the more appropriate care setting.
I don't think she needs nursing home care unless there is a lot of medical issues involved. There are now several Residential Care Homes in all the states. They provide 24/7 care and in a family environment. My state of Alabama laws are to care for 1 senior, you do not need a license, to care for 2 or more, you do need a license. We have been caring for only 1 at a time that would have gone into nursing homes if we did not take them. Sadly, our last resident died this past Feb. so we are hoping to place someone in here again soon. It would be wonderful if you could find a Residential Home in your area.
Maryann, I'm in your state too. Did a lot of research on these place, but I am north of you. Rehab told me my Mom needed nursing home since she needed 24 hour care . (Dementia and she was in rehab for a broken hip.) I about freaked since I had been researching assisted living, not nursing. Went to 3 nursing homes. The last one asked about my Mom's needs. When I described, she looked me in the eye and said she'd love to have another bed filled but my Mom would be a candidate for AL with memory care. I (somehow) don't think the rehab place had any idea of such places.
Here we are 7 months later. My Mom has been in AL that only takes memory care residents. It's about $5000/month less than nursing home. Keep your Mom in rehab as long as she qualifies. But medicare paid for therapy 3Xs a week for quite some time at the AL.
Like all facilities, it's not perfect. But it's working for me for the present Quick summary, ALs don't have 24 hour nurses. Mine has 17 hours. Then Aides staff the place. ALL of the ALs I visited were private pay only. And they can't do i/vs.
Not sure of the term you use, extended assisted living. Good luck.
A nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing or long-term care facility) provides 24-hour nursing care and protective supervision because their residents need assistance all of the time.
On the other hand, assisted living facilities (also known as catered living, personal care homes or boarding homes), provide help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, taking pills on time, housekeeping, getting meals, managing the bills and using
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Here we are 7 months later. My Mom has been in AL that only takes memory care residents. It's about $5000/month less than nursing home. Keep your Mom in rehab as long as she qualifies. But medicare paid for therapy 3Xs a week for quite some time at the AL.
Like all facilities, it's not perfect. But it's working for me for the present Quick summary, ALs don't have 24 hour nurses. Mine has 17 hours. Then Aides staff the place. ALL of the ALs I visited were private pay only. And they can't do i/vs.
Not sure of the term you use, extended assisted living. Good luck.
On the other hand, assisted living facilities (also known as catered living, personal care homes or boarding homes), provide help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, taking pills on time, housekeeping, getting meals, managing the bills and using