Adult Care Centers (ACFs) provide long-term non-medical residential services to adults who are substantially unable to live independently due to physical problems. In addition to the services offered, private assisted living homes also help foster friendships. Many are close-knit communities, so people get to know each other faster and at a deeper level than in other facilities. This interaction is beneficial in preventing depression among older people, which can sometimes become a problem.
At Tennyson Court, we are expanding the scope of care provided to our residents by offering improved assisted living services. Our facilities are licensed by New York State and are equipped to provide additional medical support at a higher level than assisted living. We strive to stay at the forefront of the assisted living industry by continuously strengthening our standards and operations. Assisted living is often more cost-effective than a nursing home due to the fact that less medical care is needed.
New York State offers exemption programs for couples that help older people pay for the assisted living facility they have chosen. If you're still quite independent and looking for more personal care while exploring life for the elderly, you might want to consider private assisted living. Specifically, 18 NYCRR 487 for adult homes; 18 NYCRR 488 for enriched housing programs; 18 NYCRR 490 for adult homes and 18 NYCRR 494 for assisted living programs. This program is almost unique in the world of financial assistance for assisted living, since its hybrid structure of Medicaid and other non-Medicaid funds allows it to pay for both assisted living services and the room and board expenses of some participants.
If the only option is to pay out of pocket, many rent or sell their current homes or apply for a loan to pay for assisted living. In the case of the Assisted Living Program, if the applicant is single or widowed, they will live in the assisted living residence. However, even greater independence is offered through improved assisted living than that of skilled nursing care. Because of the lower number of residents, there is more individual interaction with staff in privately-owned assisted living homes.
Many older people who attend assisted living centers are still quite independent and can move around on their own. In some cases, private assisted living facilities are located in homes that have been converted to meet the needs of assisted living. Every assisted living residence that participates in the ALP is initially and periodically certified by the New York State Department of Health. New York's assisted living communities must comply with a comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living facilities in New York must comply with.
Because the Assisted Living Program has limited enrollment, it's not unusual for you to be placed on a waiting list. If you're looking for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly fee for assisted living will depend on the level of care the resident requires.