Residential Assisted Living

In the mid 1980’s nursing homes started evolving in an effort to reinvent themselves.  They were moving away from being thought of as institutional places and moving towards becoming health care facilities.  They were redefining themselves to be the type of facility where a person can go for a short time after a hospital stay to regain strength and return home or to make a move to a less medical setting.

At the same time, two new types of senior living began to arise.  Assisted living and residential assisted living stepped onto the scene.  Assisted living is typically offered in an apartment-type or condo-style living setting while residential assisted living is more akin to a private home.

Since the mid 80’s, the assisted living industry, like the nursing home industry, has continued to evolve.

Residential assisted living is known a couple of different names: adult care homes, adult foster care, residential care homes or adult family homes.  What makes this option different from other senior living types is that they care for a smaller number of residents.  These homes serve only two to six individuals (in Oregon the maximum residency is five).

In all types of assisted living settings, the state and city codes shape the manner in which services may be delivered.  The owner or manager of the assisted living community also has input as to what services may or may not be offered within their building.  For the most part, residents living in residential assisted living communities require higher levels of care.  Residents may be frail of body or frail of mind, or they may be facing a combination of both.  Residents living in care homes likely need help in all aspects of their grooming and daily care.

In the greater Puget Sound area, there are approximately 1,800 such homes and in the greater Portland metro area there are approximately 900.  You likely drive by these homes in your neighborhood without even knowing they are there.  On the inside of the home, many care home owners have remodeled the home to be fully barrier-free, inclusive of large, roll-in showers and hand-rails in the hallways.

Residential assisted living is ideal for someone who needs care staff to be within close proximity during the daytime, and even more ideal for someone who needs an awake staff 24-hours a day.   Some personalities types tend to do better in this smaller setting as well.

Older adults can choose between residing in a larger assisted living setting where activities play a more important role in the lifestyle offered or opt for a more residential setting with a fewer number of residents where their care needs can be more readily met.

Not all care homes are the same.  In fact, the manner in which they operate and the staffing of their homes varies immensely.  Having a Housing & Care Advisor available to listen to your specific needs and present you with homes that match what you’re seeking is key to the success of selecting an appropriate home.

CHOICE Advisory has 32 full-time staff members who are frequently in and out of senior living places.  With our free assistance, we can give you an understanding of the adult care homes you will want to consider.  Call 800-361-0138 for our expertise and guidance.