Since 1990, July has been Disability Pride Month, a time for people living with disabilities to honor their unique talents and skills. Why July? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed on July 26, 1990. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, housing and access to various government programs and services.

Because disabled elders may suffer from isolation, loneliness and/or inadequate care owing to discrimination on two counts – their age and their disability – it was heartening to find a useful guide to assisted living as an option from Caring.com. This is a senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support. Here’s the link: https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/assisted-living-for-seniors-with-disabilities/.

The Guide covers a range of disabilities, including intellectual, sensory, physical, emotional and dementia. Assisted living can provide a less restrictive (though less regulated) and less expensive housing option than nursing homes.  Compared to nursing homes, the guide explains, there are often more choices in accommodations, such as private or shared rooms, in-room cooking facilities, separate living areas and pet friendliness. Services are generally tailored to meet individual needs, with an emphasis on maintaining elder dignity and helping seniors to live as independently as possible. 

 The Guide covers costs of assisted living, potential sources of funding, what to look for when choosing a facility and other possible housing solutions. It also lists disability resources for each state. 

What to Look For at an ALF: Building Layout

• Are there alarms or other security features in case you fall or need help with an assistive device?

• Do the common areas have comfortable furniture to support residents with disabilities that cause chronic pain?

• Are the walkways free of objects that could block a wheelchair or other mobility aid?

• Does the community have plenty of handrails to make it safer for residents with disabilities to move around?
If the community has a dining room, are the tables designed to accommodate

What to Look for in Activity Options

•  Does the community offer modified activities for residents with limited mobility?

•   re there activities you can participate in if you use a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid?

• If the community offers transportation to off-site activities, are staff members available to accompany residents who need assistance?

Questions To Ask For Seniors With Disabilities

In addition to touring a community, checking out its facilities and reading reviews, Caring.com advises asking particular questions of residents, their caregivers and staff to help people decide whether a certain facility is the most suitable choice. 

 Example questions from the Guide include:

• What training do your staff members have?
• What experience do your staff members have with this particular disability?
• Must staff pass criminal background checks?
• What resident safeguarding policies do you have?
• What is your ratio of staff to residents?
• Can staff administer medications?
• Do you have overnight staffing?
• What services are included?
• What additional services are available?
• How often do you review care plans?
• What programs do you offer for people with this disability?
• How do you ensure social integration opportunities?
• How do you try to meet physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual wellness needs?
• Is your facility fully accessible?
• Do you offer accessible transportation?
• What assistive technology do you offer?
• What safety, security and emergency features does your facility have?
• How often are health and wellness checks performed?
• What happens if my loved one’s condition worsens?
• Can you accommodate residents with multiple disabilities?
• How do you communicate with family members?
• How do you encourage family involvement?

Caring.com’s guide also notes that additional fees may be required for the following:

• More frequent safety checks
• Reminders to complete tasks
• Medication administration and management
• Clinical or rehabilitative services
• Pharmaceutical and laboratory costs
• Nurse or physician services
• Counseling
• Memory care neighborhoods
• One-on-one care
• Personal care services, such as bathing, toileting and dressing
• Personal care supplies
• Assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living
• Ambulation and transferring
• Transportation
• Assistive technology    

Other additional fees may include:

• Charges for pets
• Salon services
• Excursions
• On-site purchases at a store or cafe
• Laundry
• Wi-Fi and telephone calls