Over the past ten years, owners of nursing homes have seen a steady decline in the occupancy rates of their facilities. There are a number of reasons for this historic drop. One significant reason is that the number of "home care agencies" has increased, thus allowing the less disabled to remain in their homes. Another reason is that Medicaid waivers have siphoned off long-term care patients in some states by paying for limited home care, thus saving states the higher costs of institutional care. In addition, Medicare also began paying nursing homes more to admit hospital patients for rehabilitation. There is also another explanation for the increase of empty beds in today's nursing homes-assisted living facilities (ALFs).
Assisted Living: The Future of Residential LTC
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) include apartments, usually with small kitchens, coupled with the provisions of personal assistance for some disabilities. It's easy to appreciate the difference between these facilities and traditional nursing homes that normally put two residents into each small, sterile room.
ALFs range in quality for those offering top-end accommodations and amenities to lower priced, but quality, operations.
Formal assisted living must be distinguished from board and care homes. The latter tend to be "mom and pop" operations, often consisting of private residences managed either by either the owner or someone who lives on the premises, and who provides care. The quality of care in ALFs is often considerably better due to the substantially greater privacy, freedom, and amenities than those possible in traditional long-term care settings, or traditional nursing homes.
Assisted Living is Often Less Expensive Than The Nursing Home
While prices for ALFs vary according to quality, services, and amenities, they tend to be less expensive than nursing homes. Some facilities' fees cover personal care, others may not. If you ever consider an ALF for yourself or a relative, be sure to review the contract carefully to find out what is covered, and what is not, before you sign. And remember, it could be a mistake to make a decision purely on your cost. Today's long-term care insurance policies generally cover assisted living. There may be some limitations involved, so it's important to understand the impact of all policy benefits and conditions.
A Word of Caution and Advice
ALFs may not be for everyone who needs long-term care. Granted, they are generally the more qualitative alternative to nursing homes, however, they are designed only to care for the lightly to moderately impaired. If a person is seriously impaired, a nursing home is often the best choice. On the other hand, some people who need long-term care neither need, nor prefer, either an ALF or a nursing home. They can receive care at home, both from relatives and friends and from paid, trained home care personnel. How do you know which type of care is best for you or a loved one? Most long-term care policies today provide a care coordinator to assist you in making the right decision regarding the type and place of care best suited to your needs. Again, check your policy or ask your agent if your policy pays for a care coordinator. | 
