Question: Is the ability for the aged to stay in an Assisted Living Facility being abolished? My mother lives in an ALF in Florida and when the time comes, I would like her to receive hospice services. But, I do not want her to necessarily leave the assisted living facility that she currently resides in. However, I understand that no person who is bedbound is allowed to remain in an assisted living facility. This certainly affects my mother’s ability to remain at the facility and receive hospice services.
Answer: No, the ability to stay in Assisted Living in Florida has not been abolished. If an elder wants to die in their home (Assisted Living is classified as home) they have the right to stay in Assisted Living. As her need for care increases (i.e. she becomes dependent or “bed bound”) she can remain in Assisted Living; however, she must pay privately for the extra care she needs.
Assisted Living facilities are licensed to provide assistance with care. When an elder needs total care Assisted Living facilities are required to discharge the elder to a more appropriate setting, usually a nursing home; the only exception to this rule is when the elder is on hospice. When an elder is on hospice and needs total care they are allowed to stay in the facility but must pay extra for the care needed. Assisted Living facilities are not licensed or staffed to provide total care.
I hope this answers your question!
Amy Cameron O’Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida 32803