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RESIDENTIAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING Residential care and assisted living are licensed health care facilities that offer independent living with some services. Minimum services include meals and assistance with personal care. This long-term care option is often appropriate for someone who cannot manage to live totally independent but does not need the intensive supervision and medical care offered in a nursing home. These facilities are licensed at two different levels for fire safety and assistance with medications. The fire code is higher for facilities who accept residents who may not be capable of evacuation on their own in case of an emergency. Some facilities are licensed to administer medications, as opposed to just reminding residents. There is a huge range in these facilities, from very modest accomodations, to luxury living. Monthly costs can range from $1,100 a month to $4,000 a month. WHO PAYS ? Residential care and assisted living are the least reimbursed long-term care options. The vast majority residents are private pay. The State does have a couple of programs that do offer assistance. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DHS has a program for people enrolled in Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The department will supplement their monthly income up to $1,102 per month to pay for residential care and assisted living. DEPARTMENT OF ELDERLY AFFAIRS DEA has a new Medicaid waiver program that has 30 slots for residential care and assisted living. |