- Sen. Chuck Grassley today urged assisted living consumers to shop carefully. Grassley's comments came after an Aging Committee hearing examining consumer protection problems in some assisted living facilities.
"We learned that assisted living is popular, and consumer demand is on the rise," Grassley said. "Assisted living is expected to keep growing as more and more families shop for long-term care. That's why it disturbs me that too many people may lack the information they need to choose a facility that's right for them." Grassley is chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Grassley said half of the facilities studied by the General Accounting Office (GAO) don't provide prospective residents with key information such as:
- how much help residents can expect with medications;
- the circumstances under which the cost of services may change; and,
- and when residents might be required to leave if health changes.
Only 25 percent of surveyed facilities routinely provide consumers with written contracts prior to their decision to apply for admission, Grassley said. According to the GAO, this document is an important source of information. In some cases, it may be the only place where information about discharge policies or cost appears. The GAO surveyed facilities in California, Oregon, Florida, and Ohio.
Grassley said his next step is to learn what states are doing to ensure that assisted living is a viable, affordable, high-quality option in the long-term care continuum. He said he will write a letter to all 50 governors posing this question. In the letter, he will ask each governor to take note of the importance of consumer information.
Next, he said he will monitor the industry's efforts at self-policing. Industry representatives testified at the hearing that they will correct their shortcomings.
More immediately, Grassley said he urges every assisted living consumer to shop carefully.
"Assisted living can provide a tremendous service under the right circumstances," Grassley said. "But it's also a commodity like any other, and consumers should shop accordingly. The assisted living resident is buying both a product and a service. Shopping for an assisted living should be just like buying a house. You inspect the goods, read the fine print and protect yourself from unpleasant surprises." Grassley offered the following consumer tips for assisted living shoppers.
Senator Grassley's Tips for Assisted Living Consumers
- Learn about assisted living: Find out what services are provided by the assisted living facilities in your area to see if assisted living is the right place for your loved one. Keep in mind that assisted living facilities can vary greatly. The "aging in place" concept promoted by many assisted living facilities can have conditions and terms that you need to know.
- Shop around: Finding a new home takes time. Plan ahead and visit as many facilities as you can. Know what services your family member needs so you know what services to shop for. Make an appointment to tour the facility and meet with the administrator.
- Visit and re-visit: Once you've decided on your top choices, make sure to re-visit each facility at least one more time and at different times of the day, such as weekends and evenings. Get a good sense of the atmosphere and the physical surroundings. Talk to staff. Talk to residents. Talk to other family members. Talk to the local long-term care ombudsman. Find out not only about supportive living services such as meals, medication assistance and personal care, but also about social and recreational activities at the facility.
- Ask for written material: Information is essential in making the right selection. Review marketing material, consumer information brochures, the resident contract agreement, and state survey information about the facility, which can usually be obtained by contacting the local long-term care ombudsman. Consider having an elder law attorney review the resident contract to confirm your understanding of the agreement. The contract is the most important of all documents. Above all, make sure to read the fine print.
- You're doing business. Ask the right questions: Find out about prices and what initiates a price increase. Ask about the extras and find out how much they cost. For instance, does it cost extra to have meals delivered to a room? Ask about plans of care. Find out how each resident's needs are assessed and monitored. Inquire about the facility's policies regarding refunds, transfers, and discharges. What will happen if the facility closes? What provisions are there to secure the rights of residents? Is there an appeals plan for dissatisfied residents?
BE PREPARED
- Know the costs: Assisted living can be expensive. Be familiar with what each facility charges for each level of care. Determine the cost of each extra service beyond the monthly rate.
- Examine your finances: Monthly rates range from $1,000 to $4,000. Determine the affordable price range and shop accordingly. Also, many times adult children play a part in financing a parent's long-term care needs. Talk about this with siblings and reach a common understanding about covering costs.
FAMILY MEMBERS: BE THOUGHTFUL
- In most cases, adult children play a major role in helping a parent secure an assisted living residence. It's often the idea of the children, not the parent. Respect the interests, needs and wishes of your loved one. While many assisted living facilities offer a lifestyle that preserves autonomy and dignity, moving from home into a new place can be a difficult transition, especially if it's a new community. Make sure to work together at making plans and decisions. Don't exclude your parent from the process, especially in making the final determination. This is new home and it should be comfortable and pleasing to the one who will be living there.
