When I was looking for an Assisted Living Community for my mother, I admit I had only heard the term Assisted Living a few times, usually in a commercial on TV.  I was more familiar with the term Nursing Home, but she didn’t need a nursing home.   When I began my search for a community my main concern was rent price (keep in mind that like regular apartments, the rent for assisted living will go up every year.)  I found a community that was seemingly perfect for her.  It was well kept, nearby and afforded every amenity I could think of.  Then the term, “Level of Care” came up.  While my mother did not require much assistance at that time (it has since changed) she needed help with medication, reminders when it was time to eat – small things.

Levels of Care refer to tiers of support that are based on an assessment by the nurse/social worker at the facility.  They determine how much assistance the resident requires with Activities of Daily Living or ADLs, and health management. Each level of care is priced differently. The higher the level, the more expensive the care is. Something to keep in mind is that your loved one’s needs are going to change usually requiring more care, not less.

Levels differ from community to community but most are based on Levels 1-5 with 1 being the least amount of support needed to 4 or 5 which are the highest levels of care.  The higher the level of care, the higher the cost.  Medication management is a separate charge, though some communities add that into their Level 1 care.

Most communities will use a point system to calculate the level of care needed to help your loved one. Again, each community uses a different point system for levels of care, which can be maddening, so it’s important to have the sales representative or director who is showing you the community to explain their pricing models clearly. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify.

Level 1:  Minimal Support

This level is for residents that need medication supervision, light housekeeping, reminders about social activities,  and transportation (if offered). Their residents are quite independent.

Level 2-3:  Moderate Support

This level is for residents that need more support with medication, perhaps assistance with bathing and/or dressing, help with a walker or wheelchair and may need help toileting.  They are monitored more frequently.

Level 4-5:  Extensive Support

This level is for residents requiring the most support in assisted living.  They need help throughout the day.  This usually includes assistance with all ADLs, help transferring from bed or chair to walkers and wheelchairs, medications, and redirection in cases of mild dementia. This level is often for  residents with progressing dementia and mobility challenge.

Reassessments are updated 2-3 times a year or after a health change such as a fall or hospital stay. In my mother’s case, her level of care stayed the same until she suffered a fall. Also, families may request assessments, at no additional charge. For families in the state of California, residents in assisted living get assessed before they move into the community and 30 to 45 days after move in.

SLS of California has specialists that can help you understand the different levels of care and what is best for your loved one.  It can be confusing and overwhelming.  Please reach out to us and let us assist you in this very important conversation.  It is a free service and we are here to serve YOU!