| Health care and consumer groups are recommending state licensing for all assisted living residences. An estimated 900,000 Americans now live in about 36,000 assisted living centers, which are licensed in only two thirds of the states.
Following a two-year study, the groups also recommended: .
- Estabishment of a private-public National Center for Excellence in Assisted Living to oversee the industry and report to Congress on its performance.
- Better federal enforcement of civil rights laws for the elderly, national abuse registries and consumer protection.
- Congressinal funding for an ombudsman program to handle complaints and represent resident interests in assisted living centers
- That states review past performances prior to granting or renewing assisted living licenses.
The assisted living centers serve as alternatives--and sometimes competitors-- to nursing homes for more independent older people. However, the committee noted that Alzheimer patients and other severly frail residents might get better treatment in the more regulated nursing homes.
Costs for assisted living residences vary from less than $1,000 to more than $2,500 per month, but the National Center for Assisted Living reports that in 2006 the average fee--including rent and other fees-- was $2627 for private units..
Tobacco, alcohol and pets are allowed in some assisted living facilities, but not all. Some allow overnight guests.
For a list of the services provided by most facilities, see the National Center for Assisted Living |
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