As a continuation of the March and April newsletter notes—I will resume with the final topics that Providing Choice, a consumer’s publication for selecting an assisted living community in Kentucky, outlines.
The information that I am providing was developed by the Kentucky Assisted Living Facilities Association (KALFA) and approved by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living.
Are assisted living services the same in every state?
No. States have different definitions of assisted living.
Can I bring furniture and furnishings for my living unit?
Yes. Assisted living communities in Kentucky encourage clients (residents) to bring their own furniture, furnishings and keepsakes.
What determines the cost of living in an assisted living community?
The cost of living in an assisted living community usually will depend on the size/type of your living unit, assistance you need and any additional services you might request. The assisted living community is required to disclose all available services and fees, so you can make an informed decision.
Are the assisted living community employees required to be trained?
Yes. Kentucky law requires employees to be trained on a number of key topics.
Do assisted living communities conduct criminal record checks on their employees?
Yes. Assisted living communities are required to conduct criminal record checks on employee applicants. Many also voluntarily ensure that no employee applicants are listed on Kentucky’s nurse aid abuse registry.
Will I ever have to move out of the assisted living community?
Kentucky law required that a client (resident) must be ambulatory or be mobile non-ambulatory, such as being able to get around with a walker or in a wheelchair without assistance.
Any client who needs health care service must directly arrange to receive those services from an outside agency or individual, or otherwise be required to move out of the assisted living community.
In addition, any client who poses a danger to self or others must move out. Last, a client who is unable to continue paying for services must be given at least a 30-day notice by the assisted living community before being required to move out. An assisted living community that issues a move-out notice must have provisions for assisting the client in finding appropriate living arrangements prior to the actual move-out date.
This concludes the article (s) from Providing Choice. If you would like a copy of this publication, please let us know.
Until next month . . . Ruth
