In selecting an assisted living facility it is important to understand the types of supportive and health care services the facility may offer.  Your loved one's ability to remain in this type of housing depends on how long they can pay for housing and services and how, if at all, any conditions they have progress.

In addition to base line licensing as adult home facilities, there are two types of special certification an assisted living facility may apply for.  They may apply these special services to some or all of their beds, allowing for many types of services in one facility.  

Enhanced would enable the facility to provide aging in place services.  These services may be given by a Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) at the resident's own cost. For reference, residents eligible for aging in place services include those who are:

• Chronically chair fast or chronically require assistance with transfer  
• Chronically require the assistance of another person to climb stairs
• Dependent on medical equipment and require more than occasional assistance of medical personnel
• Incontinence care

In addition to the enhanced certificate, a facility that markets or advertises itself as accepting individuals with special needs must submit a special needs plan on how the individuals will be cared for.  Special needs refer to individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments.