My mom is in an assisted living facility and a recent assessment had her Brief Interview for Mental Status at a "moderate" -up from none- and assigned her as needing 12 points (each point being $55/mo.) Is this even legal? Technically they're not DOING anything as a result of this dumb 'remember three words' test.
Did you ask the facility what specific service they are providing for the extra money? I agree your mom should be getting something for the charge. In my state each resident gets a rating every year. Once more impairment is present, then services like now needs meds administered or "requires 2-person lift" (where they may have been a 1-person lift last year) contributes to the cost of their care.
Care levels were very well defined in my brother's ALF. They were also always open to discussing with the POA any changes in charges, and any changes in care being given.They were very upfront.
Do know that ALF are not regulated in the same way as a Nursing Home and have fewer laws that they are required to obey for the licensure that Nursing homes have to qualify for. They are more or less rentals, but with added amenities such as caregivers to assist with bathing when needed, caregivers to check on people with mentation difficulties more often, medication techs or nurses to deliver medications safely.
Discuss your concerns with your Facility as POA. As to be fully updated. And yes, the jumps in cost between levels I, II, III and IV can be quite shocking. You are nearing memory care costs before you know it. HOWEVER, that said, you will understand when you simply visit a facility the enormous difference in needs between a walking, reasonably competent elder who showers himself, is able to keep his room(s) neat, able to come out for meals communially, dress self, safe to come and go, no incontinence problems, and other residents with more needs. In my brother's case he was able to function independently almost completely. Many of his fellow cottage residents required a lot of care and checking, and to be frank, a few should have been in a higher level of care and were very difficult in the ALF for the aids to fully address needs.
I sure wish you the best. ALF are unique in of themselves. Speak with the one your Mom is a resident of, and feel free to "explore" others in the area, ask for packets and be fully informed of what they may offer.
The BIMS test isn't so 'dumb'; in reality, it tests your mother's cognizance level and determines what level of dementia is at play at any given time. You state in your profile your 91 y/o mother suffers from dementia/ALZ, so you're better off knowing where she stands and when she needs Memory Care vs. waiting for her to go wandering off out the front door of the ALF one day unassisted before you find out!
Good luck!