For meeting the growing needs of our elderly population, an alternative model to long-term care receives increasing attention. Assisted living promotes consumer control and choice in health care decisions. Although they are not medical facilities, ALFs require monthly nursing assessments. Licensing assures a basic level of quality, basic standards of care, and residents' rights. Because assisted living facilities serve a vulnerable population, the licensing and monitoring process provides consumer protection.
Regulation reduces risks by intervening prior to the emergence of problems.
The Division of Facilities Regulation investigates complaints from consumers, family members, community organizations, and other concerned parties. Through this process, the staff of Facilities Regulation, with the cooperation of the Alliance for Better Long Term Care, identified four facilities providing substandard levels of care since January 1, 1999. Commmunity interest in this consumer-focused model continues to grow. Assisted living emphasizes the privacy, independence, decision-making, and autonomy of residents.